A patient presents with severe ear pain, itching, and discharge from the ear. Upon examination, the external auditory canal is swollen and red. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial intervention for a patient diagnosed with otitis externa?
Recommend cleaning the ear with cotton swabs daily.
Advise the patient to use over-the-counter ear drops.
Administer oral antibiotics.
Administer topical antibiotics and corticosteroids.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Recommending cleaning the ear with cotton swabs daily is not appropriate for managing otitis externa. Using cotton swabs can further irritate the ear canal, potentially worsening the inflammation and increasing the risk of infection. It is generally advised to avoid inserting anything into the ear canal to prevent damage and irritation.
Choice B Reason:
Advising the patient to use over-the-counter ear drops is not the best initial intervention. While some over-the-counter ear drops may provide temporary relief, they are not as effective as prescription topical antibiotics and corticosteroids in treating the underlying infection and inflammation associated with otitis externa. Proper medical treatment is necessary to ensure effective management of the condition.
Choice C Reason:
Administering oral antibiotics is not typically the first-line treatment for uncomplicated otitis externa. Oral antibiotics are reserved for cases where the infection has spread beyond the ear canal or in patients with risk factors for severe infection. Topical antibiotics and corticosteroids are preferred for their direct action on the affected area and fewer systemic side effects.
Choice D Reason:
Administering topical antibiotics and corticosteroids is the most appropriate initial intervention for otitis externa. Topical treatments effectively target the infection and reduce inflammation, providing relief from symptoms such as pain, itching, and discharge. This approach is supported by clinical guidelines and is considered the standard of care for managing otitis externa.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Resuming the use of contact lenses 48 hours after retinal detachment surgery is not recommended. Postoperative care guidelines typically advise against wearing contact lenses until the eye has sufficiently healed to prevent irritation and infection. The exact duration will depend on the surgeon’s assessment and instructions.
Choice B Reason:
Driving 12 to 24 hours after the procedure is not advisable. Patients are usually instructed to avoid driving until their vision has stabilized and they have received clearance from their eye doctor. This period can vary but often extends beyond the first 24 hours post-surgery to ensure safety.
Choice C Reason:
Lying with the face up for 2 weeks following the procedure is incorrect. In many cases, patients are required to maintain a face-down position to help the retina reattach properly, especially if a gas bubble was used during surgery. The specific positioning instructions will depend on the type of surgery performed and the surgeon’s recommendations.
Choice D Reason:
Refraining from lifting objects that weigh over 15 lb is an appropriate instruction. Heavy lifting can increase intraocular pressure and strain the eye, potentially disrupting the healing process. Patients are generally advised to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting during the recovery period to ensure optimal healing.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Tonometry is a diagnostic test that measures the intraocular pressure (IOP) inside the eye. This measurement is crucial for detecting and managing glaucoma, as elevated IOP is a significant risk factor for the disease. By measuring the pressure, healthcare providers can assess the risk of optic nerve damage and initiate appropriate treatments to prevent vision loss.
Choice B Reason:
Tonometry does not allow for the inspection of the optic disc for signs of degeneration. This function is typically performed using ophthalmoscopy or optical coherence tomography (OCT), which provide detailed images of the optic nerve and retina. These tests are essential for evaluating the structural damage caused by glaucoma but are not part of the tonometry procedure.
Choice C Reason:
Tonometry is not performed to evaluate peripheral vision. Peripheral vision is assessed using perimetry or visual field testing, which maps the field of vision and detects areas of vision loss. This test helps determine the extent of visual impairment caused by glaucoma but is separate from tonometry.
Choice D Reason:
Tonometry does not diagnose the type of glaucoma. While it measures intraocular pressure, diagnosing the specific type of glaucoma requires a comprehensive eye examination, including gonioscopy to examine the drainage angle of the eye and other tests to assess optic nerve health and visual field. Therefore, tonometry is just one component of the diagnostic process.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today