Deck 58: Otic Drugs

Question 1

When reviewing a patient's medical record, the nurse notes an order for carbamide peroxide eardrops. Based on this information, the nurse interprets that these eardrops are being used for which purpose?

A) To reduce inflammation
B) To reduce production of cerumen
C) To loosen the cerumen for easier removal
D) To inhibit growth of microorganisms in the external canal

Answer 1

To loosen the cerumen for easier removal

Question 2

The nurse is administering eardrops that contain a combination of an antibiotic and a corticosteroid. What is the rationale for combining these two drugs in eardrops?

A) The combination works to help soften and eliminate cerumen.
B) The corticosteroid reduces pain associated with ear infections.
C) The drops help to eliminate fungal infections.
D) The corticosteroid reduces the inflammation and itching associated with ear infections.

Answer 2

The corticosteroid reduces the inflammation and itching associated with ear infections.

Question 3

The nurse is preparing to administer a new order for eardrops. Which is a potential contraindication to the use of many otic preparations?

A) Ear canal itching
B) Perforated eardrum
C) Staphylococcus aureus otitis externa infection
D) Escherichia coli ear infection

Answer 3

Perforated eardrum

Question 4

The nurse is teaching a patient's wife about administering eardrops to her husband. The nurse will use which technique when demonstrating the skill?

A) Pull the pinna of the ear down and back.
B) Pull the pinna of the ear up and back.
C) Pull the pinna of the ear down and forward.
D) Pull the pinna of the ear up and forward.

Question 5

The nurse is administrating eardrops that have been refrigerated. Which action by the nurse is correct before administering the drops?

A) Leave the drops in the refrigerator until use.
B) Heat the chilled solution for 10 seconds in the microwave.
C) Soak the bottle for 60 seconds in a container of very hot water.
D) Take the drops out of the refrigerator 1 hour before the dose is due.

Question 6

A child has been diagnosed with bacterial otitis externa and will be receiving eardrops. Which of these eardrops are appropriate for this infection? (Select all that apply.)

A) Floxin Otic
B) Cortic
C) Debrox
D) Acetasol HC
E) Cipro HC Otic

Question 7

The nurse is teaching a patient about proper administration of eardrops. Which statements are correct? (Select all that apply.)

A) Remove cerumen with a cotton-tipped swab before instilling the drops.
B) Instill the drops while still cool from refrigeration.
C) Warm the eardrops to room temperature before instillation.
D) The adult patient should pull the pinna of the ear up and back.
E) Insert a dry cotton ball firmly into the ear canal after instillation.
F) Massage the earlobe after instillation.

Question 8

The nurse is preparing to give an earwax emulsifier to a patient and will assess the patient for which contraindication before administering the drops?

A) Allergy to penicillin
B) Drainage from the ear canal
C) Partial deafness in the affected ear
D) Excessive earwax in the outer ear canal

Question 9

The nurse is assessing a child with otitis media. Which statement about otitis media is correct?

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

Question 10

The nurse is administering an otic preparation as part of treatment for a severe fungal ear infection. Why is pramoxine added to the otic medication?

A) It is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation.
B) It is an emulsifying drug that works to soften the cerumen.
C) It is a local anesthetic that causes temporary relief of pain.
D) It works synergistically to enhance the effect of the antifungal drug.