The nurse is observing a family member administer eye drops to the patient as part of medication teaching. Which action(s) indicate the family member is performing the skill correctly? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)
Puts the eye drops in a room with low lighting
Washes their hands before placing the eye drops
Uses the patient’s iris as a landmark for direct placement of the drop
Puts the drop from inner to outer canthus
Holds the upper eyelid open when placing the drop
Correct Answer : B,D
b. Washes their hands before placing the eye drops
d. Puts the drop from inner to outer canthus
Explanation of Choices
Choice A Reason: Puts the Eye Drops in a Room with Low Lighting
Administering eye drops in a room with low lighting is not a recommended practice. Proper lighting is essential to ensure accurate placement of the drops and to avoid contamination or injury. Low lighting can make it difficult to see the eye and the dropper, increasing the risk of improper administration. Therefore, this action does not indicate correct performance of the skill.
Choice B Reason: Washes Their Hands Before Placing the Eye Drops
Washing hands before administering eye drops is a crucial step to prevent infection and contamination. Clean hands reduce the risk of transferring bacteria or other pathogens to the eye, which can cause infections or other complications. This action is a fundamental part of proper eye drop administration and indicates correct performance of the skill.
Choice C Reason: Uses the Patient’s Iris as a Landmark for Direct Placement of the Drop
Using the patient’s iris as a landmark for direct placement of the drop is incorrect. The proper technique involves pulling down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket (conjunctival sac) and placing the drop into this pocket. Directly aiming for the iris can cause discomfort and increase the risk of injury or contamination. Therefore, this action does not indicate correct performance of the skill.
Choice D Reason: Puts the Drop from Inner to Outer Canthus
Placing the drop from the inner to the outer canthus (corner of the eye) is a correct technique. This method helps ensure that the drop spreads evenly across the eye surface and reduces the risk of contamination. It also helps in preventing the dropper from touching the eye or eyelid, which can introduce bacteria. This action indicates correct performance of the skill.
Choice E Reason: Holds the Upper Eyelid Open When Placing the Drop
Holding the upper eyelid open when placing the drop is not the recommended technique. The proper method involves pulling down the lower eyelid to form a pocket and placing the drop into this pocket. Holding the upper eyelid open can cause discomfort and may not allow the drop to be placed accurately. Therefore, this action does not indicate correct performance of the skill.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]
Explanation
b. +3 edema to the mid-calf
d. Irregular wound borders
e. Minimal serous drainage
Explanation of Choices
Choice A Reason: Distinct Wound Borders to Plantar Aspect of Foot
Venous ulcers typically present with irregular wound borders rather than distinct ones. They are usually found on the lower legs, particularly around the medial malleolus (inner ankle), rather than the plantar aspect of the foot. The plantar aspect of the foot is more commonly associated with diabetic ulcers or pressure sores. Therefore, distinct wound borders to the plantar aspect of the foot are not indicative of a venous ulcer.
Choice B Reason: +3 Edema to the Mid-Calf
Edema, or swelling, is a common finding in patients with venous ulcers. Venous insufficiency leads to increased pressure in the veins, causing fluid to leak into the surrounding tissues, resulting in edema. The presence of +3 edema (a significant level of swelling) in the mid-calf is a strong indicator of venous insufficiency and, consequently, venous ulcers. This finding supports the diagnosis of a venous ulcer.
Choice C Reason: Patient Reports 9 (0-10) Pain Scale to Area
While pain can be associated with venous ulcers, it is not a definitive diagnostic criterion. Pain levels can vary widely among individuals with venous ulcers, and some may experience minimal discomfort. A pain scale rating of 9 out of 10 indicates severe pain, which could be due to various conditions, not specifically venous ulcers. Therefore, this finding alone is not sufficient to suspect a venous ulcer.
Choice D Reason: Irregular Wound Borders
Venous ulcers are characterized by their irregular wound borders. Unlike arterial ulcers, which have well-defined edges, venous ulcers tend to have uneven, irregular borders. This is due to the chronic nature of venous insufficiency and the ongoing damage to the skin and underlying tissues. The presence of irregular wound borders is a key indicator of a venous ulcer.
Choice E Reason: Minimal Serous Drainage
Venous ulcers often produce serous drainage, which is a clear to pale yellow fluid. The amount of drainage can vary, but minimal serous drainage is a common finding. This type of drainage is due to the chronic inflammation and fluid leakage associated with venous insufficiency. Therefore, minimal serous drainage is consistent with the presence of a venous ulcer.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
d. Do not reduce normal dietary sodium intake.
Explanation of Choices
Choice A Reason: Limit Fluid Intake to 1,000 mL of Fluid per Day
Limiting fluid intake to 1,000 mL per day is not recommended for clients taking lithium carbonate. Adequate hydration is crucial because lithium can affect kidney function and fluid balance. Dehydration can increase lithium levels in the blood, leading to toxicity. Therefore, clients should maintain normal fluid intake to ensure proper hydration and avoid complications.
Choice B Reason: Adjust the Dose if You Feel Out of Control
Clients should never adjust their lithium dose on their own. Lithium has a narrow therapeutic range, meaning the difference between an effective dose and a toxic dose is small. Any changes in dosage should be made under the supervision of a healthcare provider to avoid the risk of lithium toxicity or subtherapeutic levels. Self-adjusting the dose can lead to serious health risks.
Choice C Reason: Have Serum Lithium Levels Checked Every 6 Months
While regular monitoring of serum lithium levels is essential, checking levels every 6 months may not be sufficient. Initially, serum lithium levels should be checked more frequently, such as every 1 to 2 weeks, until stable therapeutic levels are achieved. After stabilization, levels are typically monitored every 3 to 6 months, depending on the patient’s clinical status and any changes in medication or health condition. Regular monitoring helps ensure the medication remains within the therapeutic range and prevents toxicity.
Choice D Reason: Do Not Reduce Normal Dietary Sodium Intake
Maintaining normal dietary sodium intake is crucial for clients taking lithium. Sodium levels in the body can affect lithium levels; a decrease in sodium intake can lead to higher lithium levels and increase the risk of toxicity. Conversely, an increase in sodium intake can lower lithium levels, reducing its effectiveness. Therefore, clients should be advised to maintain a consistent sodium intake to help stabilize lithium levels in the blood.
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