Deck 57: Otic Drugs

Question 1

While teaching a patient about treatment of otitis media, the nurse should mention that untreated otitis media may lead to

A)mastoiditis.
B)throat infections.
C)fungal ear infection.
D)decreased cerumen production.

Answer 1

The nurse teaches that if the inflammation of the ear (otitis) would not be managed on time then this may cause the mastoidtis to occur. This is the condition when the passage of the ear canal gets inflamed and the back side of the ear also. The observations option wise are as follows:
The infection of the ear could not reach the throat in a short while. It might take months to year it would be kept untreated.
Hence, the option (b) is incorrect.
The ear inflammation cannot produce fungus by itself.
Hence, the option (c) is incorrect.
The amount of production of cerumen (earwax) has no effect of the inflammation.
Hence, the option (d) is incorrect.
The only risk of untreated otitis is the mastoiditis condition.
Hence, the correct answer is .

Question 2

During a teaching session about eardrops, the patient tells the nurse, "I know why an antibiotic is in this medicine, but why do I need to take a steroid?" Which is the nurse's best answer?

A)"The steroid will help to soften the cerumen."
B)"The steroid reduces itching and inflammation."
C)"The steroid also has antifungal effects."
D)"This medication helps to anesthetize the area to decrease pain."

Answer 2

The steroids in the ear treatment are for dealing with the itching and inflammation and these help in best way to tackle such conditions. The observations option wise are as follows:
Steroids do not soften the cerumen (earwax).
Hence, the option (a) is incorrect.
The steroids do not have any anti-fungal effects.
Hence, the option (c) is incorrect.
The steroids do not have any anesthetizing effect.
Hence, the option (d) is incorrect.
The steroids' main action is reducing inflammation and itching from the site.
Hence, the correct answer is .

Question 3

The nurse is discussing treatment of earwax buildup with a patient. Which statement about earwax emulsifiers is true? These drugs:

A)are useful for treatment of ear infections.
B)loosen impacted cerumen so that it may be removed by irrigation.
C)are used to rinse out excessive earwax.
D)enhance the secretion of earwax.

Answer 3

The use of emulsifiers in the ear wax treatment is that these soften the impacted wax and help in easy removal through irrigation. The observations option wise are as follows:
The emulsifiers are not a type of drug so they can not treat infections.
Hence, the option (a) is incorrect.
The emulsifiers cannot bring out the wax rather these just make it soft.
Hence, the option (c) is incorrect.
The secretion of earwax is not affected by the emulsifiers.
Hence, the option (d) is incorrect.
The action of emulsifiers is softening of the ear wax.
Hence, the correct answer is .

Question 4

During an examination, the nurse notes that a patient has a perforated tympanic membrane. There is an order for ear- drops. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
a.Give the medication as ordered.
b.Check the patient's hearing, and then give the drops.
c.Hold the medication, and check with the prescriber.
d.Administer the drops with a cotton wick.

Question 5

The nurse is preparing to administer eardrops and finds that the bottle has been stored in the medication room refrigera- tor. Which is the best action by the nurse?

A)Remove the bottle from the refrigerator, and administer the drops.
B)Heat the bottle for 5 seconds in the microwave oven before administering the drops.
C)Let the bottle sit in a cup of hot water for 15 minutes before administering the drops.
D)Remove the bottle from the refrigerator 1 hour before the drops are due to be given.

Question 6

The nurse is preparing to administer carbamide peroxide (Debrox) to an adult patient with impacted cerumen. Which actions by the nurse are correct? (Select all that apply.)

A)Have the patient lie on his side with the affected ear up.
B)Chill the medication before administering it.
C)Pull the pinna of the ear down and back.
D)Pull the pinna of the ear up and back.
E)Gently irrigate the ear with warm water to remove the softened earwax.

Question 7

Define the following Term:
Otitis media (OM)

Question 8

Define the following Term:
Cerumen

Question 9

Define the following Term:
Otitis externa