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:
Macular degeneration primarily affects central vision and is characterized by a gradual loss of vision rather than sudden symptoms. It does not typically cause flashes of light, shadows over the visual field, or floaters. These symptoms are more indicative of a retinal issue.
Choice B Reason:
Cataracts cause clouding of the lens, leading to blurred vision and difficulty seeing at night. However, they do not cause sudden flashes of light, shadows over the visual field, or floaters. Cataracts develop gradually and do not present with acute symptoms.
Choice C Reason:
Glaucoma is associated with increased intraocular pressure, which can lead to gradual loss of peripheral vision. While acute angle-closure glaucoma can cause sudden symptoms, it typically presents with severe eye pain, headache, and nausea, rather than flashes of light and floaters.
Choice D Reason:
Retinal detachment is characterized by the sudden onset of flashes of light, floaters, and a shadow or curtain over the visual field. These symptoms occur because the retina is pulling away from its normal position, which can lead to vision loss if not treated promptly. Immediate medical attention is required to prevent permanent vision loss.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Cloudiness in the lens of the eyes is the hallmark symptom of cataracts. Cataracts cause the lens to become opaque, leading to blurred vision and difficulty seeing clearly. This cloudiness can make it challenging to perform everyday tasks and is the most indicative sign of cataracts.
Choice B Reason:
Double vision in one eye can occur with cataracts, but it is not the most indicative symptom. While cataracts can cause visual disturbances, the primary symptom is the cloudiness of the lens, which directly impacts vision clarity.
Choice C Reason:
Eye pain and redness are not typical symptoms of cataracts. These symptoms are more commonly associated with other eye conditions such as infections or glaucoma. Cataracts primarily cause visual disturbances without significant pain or redness.
Choice D Reason:
Sudden loss of vision is not characteristic of cataracts. Cataracts develop gradually over time, leading to a slow progression of vision impairment. Sudden vision loss is more likely to be associated with acute conditions such as retinal detachment or vascular occlusions.
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