Question 1

The nurse is instructing a patient on the self-instillation of eye drops for acute conjunctivitis. What is the most important step for the nurse to teach this patient?

Accepted Answer

Proper hand hygiene is crucial to prevent the spread of infection to other eye or individuals.

Question 2

A patient is experiencing a severe episode of Ménière disease. Which medication should the nurse expect to be prescribed to help reduce the sensation of spinning and nausea occurring in this patient?

Accepted Answer

Meclizine hydrochloride (Antivert) is a medication that is commonly used to treat vertigo and the associated symptoms such as nausea and vomiting in Ménière disease. It works by blocking histamine receptors in the brain, reducing the sensation of spinning and dizziness. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic medication that is sometimes used to treat Ménière disease by reducing fluid buildup in the inner ear, but it does not alleviate the symptoms directly. Diazepam (Valium) and droperidol (Inapsine) are medications that are sometimes used to treat vertigo and nausea, but they are not typically the first choice for treatment in Ménière disease.

Question 3

A patient is diagnosed with a corneal abrasion. What should the nurse instruct this patient?

Accepted Answer

A

Question 4

A patient is hospitalized with blunt trauma to the left eye. To best minimize eye movement, what should the nurse do?

Accepted Answer

Patching or providing an eye shield for both eyes is the best way to minimize eye movement and protect the injured eye from further damage. When one eye moves, the other eye moves in unison due to the consensual eye movement reflex. Patching both eyes helps to keep the injured eye still and protected.

Question 5

A patient with chronic otitis media is diagnosed with a cholesteatoma. The nurse realizes that what would be the treatment of choice for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Surgery is the treatment of choice for a patient with a cholesteatoma, as it is a non-cancerous, but potentially dangerous growth that can erode the bone and cause hearing loss, balance problems, and even facial nerve paralysis. Antibiotics and tympanostomy tubes may be used as adjunct therapies, but they will not cure the condition. Waiting for it to resolve on its own is not recommended, as it can cause further damage.

Question 6

A mother is concerned that her school-age child is having difficulty walking and seeing during the night. The nurse realizes that this patient might be demonstrating signs of what health problem?

Accepted Answer

The symptoms described are consistent with retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic disorder that affects the retina and can cause night blindness and tunnel vision.

Question 7

A patient is seen for hearing loss and odd popping noises in his left ear after "having a cold." This patient is demonstrating signs of what potential problem?

Accepted Answer

The symptoms of hearing loss and popping noises after having a cold suggest serous otitis media, which is often caused by congestion in the Eustachian tube. Otitis externa is inflammation of the external ear canal, acute otitis media is an infection of the middle ear, and otitis interna is an infection of the inner ear.

Question 8

A patient with an ectropion continues to experience eye dryness and corneal abrasions. This patient might benefit from what intervention?

Accepted Answer

Ectropion is a condition in which the lower eyelid turns outward, exposing the inner eyelid and causing eye dryness and corneal abrasions. Surgery to correct the position of the eyelid can help prevent these symptoms. Corrective lenses, UV protective sunglasses, and contact lenses will not address the underlying issue of the eyelid position.

Question 9

A patient diagnosed with exudative macular degeneration reads as primary recreation. What should the nurse suggest to this patient?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining books on tape or CD would be an appropriate suggestion for someone with exudative macular degeneration as it allows them to continue to enjoy reading through an alternative format. The other options do not directly address the patient's desire to continue reading.

Question 10

An older patient with a mobility disorder is being discharged after having a cataract removed as an outpatient. For what should the nurse assess this patient?

Accepted Answer

The nurse should assess the patient's ability to administer eye drops postprocedure, as this is crucial for recovery and preventing complications after cataract surgery.

Question 11

An older patient often responds incorrectly to questions or during general conversation. The nurse realizes that this patient should be assessed for what health problem?

Accepted Answer

Hearing disorders are common in older adults and can lead to misunderstandings or incorrect responses during conversations.

Question 12

A patient experiences an increase in ear pain when the auricle is pulled up and back. The nurse realizes that this patient might be experiencing what health problem?

Accepted Answer

Otitis externa, also known as swimmer's ear, involves the outer ear and ear canal. Pulling the auricle up and back can exacerbate the pain associated with this condition, distinguishing it from issues affecting the middle or inner ear, such as otitis media or interna, and mastoiditis, which involves the mastoid bone behind the ear.

Question 13

A patient with chronic acute otitis media infections is having tympanostomy tubes placed. What should post-tube placement instructions for this patient include?

Accepted Answer

After tympanostomy tube placement, patients should avoid getting any water into their ears to prevent infection. The other options are not relevant to ear health after tube placement.

Question 14

A patient comes into the clinic complaining of "black spots and a curtain dropping" in the right eye. The nurse realizes that this patient is experiencing signs of what health problem?

Accepted Answer

Black spots and a curtain dropping in the eye are symptoms of a detached retina, which occurs when the retina separates from the back of the eye. This is a serious condition that can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. Conjunctivitis, sty, and cataract do not typically cause these symptoms.

Question 15

The nurse is instructing a patient who has a hearing and balance disorder. What should be included in these instructions?

Accepted Answer

Patients with hearing and balance disorders are at risk for vertigo and falls. Instructing them to change positions slowly and turn the whole body rather than just the head can prevent exacerbation of symptoms and falls. Standing still with the onset of vertigo may lead to injuries from falls. Increasing the pace of ambulation may also increase the risk of falls. Avoiding reclining while taking antivertigo medication is not a necessary instruction for all patients with hearing and balance disorders.

Question 16

A patient is learning how to apply and care for a new set of contact lenses. What should the nurse include when teaching the patient about the use of these lenses?

Accepted Answer

The nurse should stress the importance of hand hygiene before and after handling the contact lenses to prevent infections. The patient should also be instructed to contact their eye physician if they experience redness or tearing, which could be a sign of an infection or irritation. Eye pain is not a normal side effect of wearing contact lenses and should always be reported to the eye physician. Distilled water is not recommended for contact lens care as it does not contain the necessary ingredients to disinfect and clean the lenses. The patient should be instructed to follow the specific guidelines provided by their eye physician for cleaning and care of their contact lenses, which may include specific solutions and time frames for removal.

Question 17

A patient who became blind in the left eye because of an industrial accident says, "I still have one good eye, and I can still do a lot." What should the nurse realize this patient is demonstrating?

Accepted Answer

The patient is demonstrating acceptance by focusing on the abilities they still have after losing vision in one eye. They are demonstrating a positive attitude towards their situation and finding ways to continue functioning despite their disability.

Question 18

The nurse assesses a reduction in a patient's peripheral vision. Which additional measure would be a priority during the assessment of this patient?

Accepted Answer

A reduction in peripheral vision can be a symptom of glaucoma, which is characterized by increased intraocular pressure. Therefore, assessing the patient's intraocular pressure would be a priority to rule out this condition. The other options may be assessed if further evaluation is needed.

Question 19

A patient with COPD is being treated for glaucoma. Which medication should the nurse expect to be prescribed for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Adrenergic agonists are often used in glaucoma treatment and are less likely to exacerbate COPD symptoms compared to beta-blockers, which can worsen respiratory conditions.

Question 20

A patient who is a single parent of two young children has recently lost vision in one eye following a car accident. Which problems that are common to people with sudden blindness should the nurse address as being high priority with this patient?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient who is a single parent...

Quiz 46: Nursing Care of Patients With Eye and Ear Disorders