Question 1

The nurse is preparing to administer a new order for eardrops.Which is a potential contraindication to the use of many otic preparations?&#10;A) Ear canal itching&#10;B) Perforated eardrum&#10;C) Staphylococcus aureus otitis externa infection&#10;D) Escherichia coli ear infection

Accepted Answer

A perforated eardrum is a contraindication to the use of many otic preparations as they may cause damage to the inner ear and potentially lead to hearing loss or other complications. It is important for the nurse to assess the patient for any history or current signs of a perforated eardrum before administering otic medications. The other options (A, C, and D) do not necessarily indicate a contraindication to otic medication use.

Question 2

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.)&#10;A) Floxin Otic&#10;B) Cortic&#10;C) Debrox&#10;D) Acetasol HC&#10;E) Cipro HC Otic

Accepted Answer

Floxin Otic and Cipro HC Otic are appropriate eardrops for bacterial otitis externa because they contain antibiotics that can specifically target and treat the bacterial infection. Cortic, Debrox, and Acetasol HC do not contain antibiotics and are not appropriate for bacterial infections.

Question 3

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?&#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 eardrops are commonly used to loosen earwax or cerumen for easier removal. It works by softening and breaking down the cerumen, making it easier to be removed by irrigation or other methods.

Question 4

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?&#10;A) The combination works to help soften and eliminate cerumen.&#10;B) The corticosteroid reduces pain associated with ear infections.&#10;C) The drops help to eliminate fungal infections.&#10;D) The corticosteroid reduces the inflammation and itching associated with ear infections.

Accepted Answer

The corticosteroid in the eardrops helps to reduce inflammation and itching associated with ear infections, while the antibiotic works to target the infection itself. Combining the two drugs enhances the overall treatment effectiveness.

Question 5

The nurse is administrating eardrops that have been refrigerated.Which action by the nurse is correct before administering the drops?&#10;A) Leave the drops in the refrigerator until use.&#10;B) Heat the chilled solution for 10 seconds in the microwave.&#10;C) Soak the bottle for 60 seconds in a container of very hot water.&#10;D) Take the drops out of the refrigerator 1 hour before the dose is due.

Accepted Answer

Eardrops should be at room temperature before administration as administration of cold drops might cause dizziness or nausea. Leaving the drops out of the refrigerator for about an hour before administration is the correct way to bring them to room temperature. Microwaving or soaking in hot water can alter the medication's effectiveness and damage the ear canal.

Question 6

The nurse is assessing a child with otitis media.Which statement about otitis media is correct?&#10;A) It is treated with over-the-counter medications.&#10;B) In children,it commonly follows a lower respiratory tract infection.&#10;C) Common symptoms include pain,fever,malaise,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

Otitis media is an inflammation of the middle ear, which commonly occurs in young children. Symptoms include pain, fever, malaise, and a sensation of fullness in the ears. It is typically treated with prescription antibiotics and pain medication, not over-the-counter medications. It can follow a upper respiratory tract infection, not a lower respiratory tract infection. Hearing deficits can be associated with otitis media, especially if left untreated or if there are frequent recurring episodes.

Question 7

The nurse is teaching a patient's wife about administering eardrops to her husband.The nurse will use which technique when demonstrating the skill?&#10;A) Pull the pinna of the ear down and back.&#10;B) Pull the pinna of the ear up and back.&#10;C) Pull the pinna of the ear down and forward.&#10;D) Pull the pinna of the ear up and forward.

Accepted Answer

When administering eardrops, the nurse should pull the pinna of the ear up and back to straighten the ear canal and allow the drops to enter. This technique is especially important for adults, as their ear canals are typically more curved than children's. Pulling the pinna down and forward, as in choice C, can actually close off the ear canal and prevent the drops from entering.

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?&#10;A) Allergy to penicillin&#10;B) Drainage from the ear canal&#10;C) Partial deafness in the affected ear&#10;D) Excessive earwax in the outer ear canal

Accepted Answer

Drainage from the ear canal is a contraindication for earwax emulsifiers as it can indicate an active infection or perforated eardrum, which can lead to complications with the use of the medication. Allergy to penicillin is not relevant to the use of earwax emulsifiers, while partial deafness and excessive earwax in the outer ear canal are indications for the use of the medication.

Deck 58: Otic Drugs