The practical nurse (PN) is providing care for a client who is receiving an aminoglycoside to treat a bacterial infection. To assess for signs of ototoxicity, which action should the PN take?

The correct answer is choiceB. Remove the warm compress.

Choice A rationale:

Turning the lights on in the room would likely exacerbate the resident’s photophobia (sensitivity to light), causing more discomfort.Photophobia is a common symptom of bacterial conjunctivitis, and keeping the room dim can help alleviate this discomfort.

Choice B rationale:

Removing the warm compress is the correct action. Warm compresses can sometimes be used to relieve symptoms of conjunctivitis, but they are generally more appropriate for viral or allergic conjunctivitis.In the case of bacterial conjunctivitis, warm compresses can potentially worsen the infection by providing a warm, moist environment that promotes bacterial growth.Instead, a cool compress is often recommended to reduce inflammation and discomfort.

Choice C rationale:

Elevating the head of the bed can help reduce swelling and promote drainage, but it is not directly related to the immediate relief of eye pain and photophobia in bacterial conjunctivitis.This action might be more relevant for conditions involving fluid retention or respiratory issues.

Choice D rationale:

Offering an oral analgesic could help manage the resident’s pain, but it does not address the underlying issue of the warm compress potentially worsening the bacterial infection.Pain management is important, but it should be combined with appropriate measures to treat the infection and alleviate symptoms.

This is the best initial intervention for the PN to implement because it promotes comfort, relaxation, and circulation for the client. A back rub can also reduce anxiety and muscle tension, which can interfere with sleep. The PN should use non-pharmacological methods to facilitate sleep before resorting to medication.

A. Offering the client a prescribed sleep medication is not the best initial intervention because it may have side effects or interactions with other drugs. The PN should assess the client's need for medication and use it as a last resort.

C. Administering an as-needed (PRN) prescription for pain is not the best initial intervention because it may not address the cause of the client's difficulty in sleeping. The PN should assess the client's pain level and use other methods to relieve pain before giving medication.

D. Providing a cup of hot chocolate at bedtime is not the best initial intervention because it may contain caffeine, which can stimulate the central nervous system and keep the client awake. The PN should avoid giving caffeinated beverages to the client before bedtime.