Question 1

What should the nurse do when administering ear drops?&#10;A)Heat the solution in the microwave.&#10;B)Leave the solution in the refrigerator until use.&#10;C)Soak the solution for 60 seconds in a pan of very hot water.&#10;D)Warm the solution by running warm water over the side of the bottle, avoiding the label.

Accepted Answer

Ear drops should be given at body temperature; if necessary,warm the solution by running warm water over the bottle,being careful not to damage the label or to allow water into the bottle.

Question 2

A patient is prescribed ear drops.What important information about the proper use of ear drops should the nurse give the patient?&#10;A)Cerumen should be removed with a cotton-tipped swab before the drops are instilled.&#10;B)The drops should be instilled while still cool from refrigeration.&#10;C)The ear drops should be warmed to room temperature before instillation.&#10;D)The ear lobe should be massaged after the instillation of medication.

Accepted Answer

Ear drops should be at room temperature; cold drops may cause dizziness or other discomfort.Before drops are instilled,cerumen should be removed by irrigation,not with cotton-tipped swabs.To encourage flow through the ear canal,the tragus area should be massaged after instillation.

Question 3

Which is a true statement about otitis media?&#10;A)It is treated with over-the-counter (OTC) medications.&#10;B)In children, it commonly follows a lower respiratory tract infection.&#10;C)Common symptoms include pain, fever, malaise, pressure, and a sensation of fullness in the ears.&#10;D)Hearing deficits are associated only with inner ear infections, not with otitis media.

Accepted Answer

Common symptoms of otitis media include pain,fever,malaise,pressure,and a sensation of fullness in the ears.Otitis media is rarely treated with OTC medications and commonly follows an upper respiratory tract infection in children.Hearing deficits may occur if therapy is not started promptly.

Question 4

A 12-month-old infant is prescribed ear drops.What does the nurse direct the parents to do when they administer the drops?&#10;A)Pull the child's pinna down and back.&#10;B)Pull the child's pinna up and back.&#10;C)Pull the child's pinna down and forward.&#10;D)Pull the child's pinna up and forward.

Accepted Answer

The pinna should be pulled down and back when giving ear drops to children under 3 years of age.

Question 5

Which describes the use of carbamide peroxide?&#10;A)To reduce inflammation&#10;B)To reduce production of cerumen&#10;C)To loosen the cerumen for easier removal&#10;D)To inhibit growth of microorganisms in the external canal

Accepted Answer

Carbamide peroxide is a commonly used earwax emulsifier.It is combined with other components (e.g.,glycerin,a lubricant)that help soften and lubricate cerumen prior to irrigation and make removal easier.

Question 6

Which is a contraindication to the use of neomycin sulphate otic preparation?&#10;A)Escherichia coli infection&#10;B)Perforated eardrum&#10;C)Klebsiella infection&#10;D)Bacterial otitis

Accepted Answer

Neomycin sulphate,polymyxin B sulphate,and hydrocortisone acetate otic preparations are contraindicated in patients with a perforated eardrum because of the risk for ototoxicity.Ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone can be used with perforated eardrums.

Question 7

Hydrocortisone is commonly used in combination with otic antibiotics to do what?&#10;A)To soften and eliminate cerumen&#10;B)To reduce pain associated with ear infections&#10;C)To act as an antifungal agent in certain types of ear infections&#10;D)To reduce inflammation and itching associated with ear infections

Accepted Answer

Hydrocortisone is commonly used in combination with otic antibiotics to reduce inflammation and itching associated with ear infections.

Deck 58: Otic Drugs