The nurse teaches parents of school-age children that which structure protects the middle ear from infection?
Ossicles
External auditory canal
Tympanic membrane
Eustachian tube
✓
Correct Answer
Eustachian tube
The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and protects the middle ear from infection.
Question 2
The nurse is caring for a client who has an upper respiratory illness but is getting ready to travel by plane. Which medication should the nurse anticipate being prescribed to minimize ear-related problems during the flight?
Amoxicillin
Diphenhydramine
Carbamide peroxide
Pseudoephedrine
✓
Correct Answer
Pseudoephedrine
Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine may be given to relieve ear congestion and pressure.
Question 3
Which instruction should the nurse give to a client to reduce tinnitus?
Decrease sodium intake.
✓
Take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
Increase caffeine intake.
Reduce background sound.
Correct Answer
Decrease sodium intake.
Decreasing sodium intake can help reduce distracting sounds.
Question 4
Which communication technique is most effective for the nurse to use when communicating with a client with hearing impairment?
Move on to the next topic if the client does not understand you.
Avoid interrupting the client with a hearing impairment.
✓
Instruct the client to read your lips.
Look directly at the client and use a loud voice.
Correct Answer
Avoid interrupting the client with a hearing impairment.
The client with a hearing impairment needs the nurse to be patient and provide them with time to communicate.
Question 5
Which of the following is a proper technique regarding otic antibiotics?
Store ear drops in the refrigerator.
Avoid touching the tip of the dropper to any surface.
✓
Warm the drops to above body temperature.
Instill the ear drops while seated comfortably.
Correct Answer
Avoid touching the tip of the dropper to any surface.
The client should avoid touching the tip of the dropper or inside of the cap with the hand or to any surface to avoid contamination.
Question 6
Which assessment finding indicates to the nurse that a client receiving an otic antibiotic may have a resistant infection, also known as a superinfection?
Low blood pressure and elevated heart rate
Pain and ear itching
✓
Tearing eyes on the affected side
Headache and nausea
Correct Answer
Pain and ear itching
Pain and ear itching are signs that a superinfection may be present, in which case an ear swab will be needed to test for a superinfection.
Question 7
Which adverse effect should the nurse caution the client taking amoxicillin-clavulanate to expect?
The client should be careful when driving at night.
The client could develop hearing loss.
The client could experience diarrhea.
✓
The client could experience ototoxic side effects.
Correct Answer
The client could experience diarrhea.
Diarrhea can develop with antibiotic use and should be reported to the provider.
Question 8
Which instruction should the nurse give to a client with diabetes who is taking a decongestant for relief from sinus and ear congestion caused by an upper respiratory infection?
Taper the decongestant before stopping the medication.
Decrease daily insulin while taking the decongestant.
Regularly check serum glucose while taking the decongestant.
✓
Increase daily insulin while taking the decongestant.
Correct Answer
Regularly check serum glucose while taking the decongestant.
Decongestants are known to elevate serum glucose.
Question 9
Which action should the nurse take to evaluate the effectiveness of carbamide peroxide administered to a client's ear?
Examine the ear canal.
✓
Take the client's temperature.
Ask the client to rate their pain.
Check the client's hearing.
Correct Answer
Examine the ear canal.
The nurse should examine the ear canal to determine if the cerumen (earwax) has been expelled.
Question 10
Which diagnosis does the nurse anticipate in the client who reports hearing loss, vertigo, nausea, and vomiting?
Ménière's disease
✓
Tinnitus
Otitis externa
Otitis media
Correct Answer
Ménière's disease
Ménière's disease is characterized by hearing loss, vertigo, increased sweating, nausea, and vomiting.