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A nurse is instilling otic drops into an 18-month-old child's ears. Which of the following methods should the nurse use?

A. Pull the pinna down and back.

Pull the pinna down and back: This technique is appropriate for administering otic drops to an infant or young child. By gently pulling the pinna (outer ear) down and back, it straightens the ear canal, allowing the drops to enter more effectively.

B. Insert the dropper into the ear canal.

Insert the dropper into the ear canal: This option is incorrect. It is essential not to insert the dropper directly into the ear canal, especially in young children, to prevent injury to the ear drum or ear canal.

C. Administer the ear drops at 5.5° C (42° F).

Administer the ear drops at 5.5°C (42°F): The temperature at which the ear drops are administered is not typically specified in practice. Room temperature drops are generally recommended for patient comfort, but they do not need to be at a specific temperature.

D. Massage the area behind the ear.

Massage the area behind the ear: Massaging the area behind the ear after administering otic drops can help distribute the medication within the ear canal. However, it is essential to follow specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider regarding post-administration care.

This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - Ati Nursing Care Of Children Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now


Full Explanation

A. Pull the pinna down and back: This technique is appropriate for administering otic drops to an infant or young child. By gently pulling the pinna (outer ear) down and back, it straightens the ear canal, allowing the drops to enter more effectively.

B. Insert the dropper into the ear canal: This option is incorrect. It is essential not to insert the dropper directly into the ear canal, especially in young children, to prevent injury to the ear drum or ear canal.

C. Administer the ear drops at 5.5°C (42°F): The temperature at which the ear drops are administered is not typically specified in practice. Room temperature drops are generally recommended for patient comfort, but they do not need to be at a specific temperature.

D. Massage the area behind the ear: Massaging the area behind the ear after administering otic drops can help distribute the medication within the ear canal. However, it is essential to follow specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider regarding post-administration care.


Similar Questions

QUESTION

A nurse is assessing a 12-month-old infant who is immediately postoperative following hernia repair surgery. Which of the following pain measurement tools should the nurse use to determine if the infant is experiencing pain?

A. FACES

FACES: The FACES pain scale is a visual analog scale commonly used with older children who can point to or select a facial expression that best represents their pain level. It may not be suitable for infants who may not have the cognitive or motor skills to use the scale effectively.

B. COMFORT

COMFORT: The COMFORT scale assesses pain in infants and young children based on behaviors such as crying, facial expressions, and body movements. It evaluates parameters such as alertness, calmness, respiratory response, physical movement, and muscle tone. The COMFORT scale is suitable for assessing pain in infants and young children, including those who are postoperative.

C. CRIES

CRIES: The CRIES scale is a neonatal pain assessment tool that evaluates crying, oxygen saturation, vital signs, expression, and sleeplessness. While it is designed for newborns and infants up to 6 months of age, it may not be as appropriate for a 12-month-old infant who is postoperative and beyond the neonatal period.

D. FLACC

FLACC: The FLACC scale assesses pain in infants and young children based on five behavioral categories: facial expression, leg movement, activity level, cry, and consolability. It is commonly used in pediatric settings and is suitable for assessing pain in infants who are postoperative.

Full Explanation

A. FACES: The FACES pain scale is a visual analog scale commonly used with older children who can point to or select a facial expression that best represents their pain level. It may not be suitable for infants who may not have the cognitive or motor skills to use the scale effectively.

B. COMFORT: The COMFORT scale assesses pain in infants and young children based on behaviors such as crying, facial expressions, and body movements. It evaluates parameters such as alertness, calmness, respiratory response, physical movement, and muscle tone. The COMFORT scale is suitable for assessing pain in infants and young children, including those who are postoperative.

C. CRIES: The CRIES scale is a neonatal pain assessment tool that evaluates crying, oxygen saturation, vital signs, expression, and sleeplessness. While it is designed for newborns and infants up to 6 months of age, it may not be as appropriate for a 12-month-old infant who is postoperative and beyond the neonatal period.

D. FLACC: The FLACC scale assesses pain in infants and young children based on five behavioral categories: facial expression, leg movement, activity level, cry, and consolability. It is commonly used in pediatric settings and is suitable for assessing pain in infants who are postoperative.

QUESTION

A school nurse is assessing the visual acuity of a school-age child. Which of the following findings indicate that the child should be evaluated for strabismus?

A. Visual acuity 20/30 bilaterally

Visual acuity 20/30 bilaterally: Visual acuity of 20/30 bilaterally indicates relatively good vision in both eyes, but it does not necessarily indicate strabismus. Strabismus is related to eye alignment rather than visual acuity.

B. Peripheral vision 70° downward

Peripheral vision 70° downward: Peripheral vision refers to the ability to see objects outside the direct line of vision. While changes in peripheral vision can occur in various eye conditions, such as glaucoma, it is not specific to strabismus.

C. Movement of the uncovered eye during a cover test

Movement of the uncovered eye during a cover test: This is the correct option. During a cover test, one eye is covered while the other eye fixates on an object. If the uncovered eye moves to try to align with the covered eye, it may indicate strabismus or a misalignment of the eyes.

D. Light reflects symmetrically within each pupil during a corneal light reflex test

Light reflects symmetrically within each pupil during a corneal light reflex test: A corneal light reflex test assesses the alignment of the eyes by observing the reflection of light on the corneas. While asymmetry in the corneal light reflex can indicate strabismus, the description provided in this option suggests that the light reflects symmetrically within each pupil, which is a normal finding.

Full Explanation

A. Visual acuity 20/30 bilaterally: Visual acuity of 20/30 bilaterally indicates relatively good vision in both eyes, but it does not necessarily indicate strabismus. Strabismus is related to eye alignment rather than visual acuity.

B. Peripheral vision 70° downward: Peripheral vision refers to the ability to see objects outside the direct line of vision. While changes in peripheral vision can occur in various eye conditions, such as glaucoma, it is not specific to strabismus.

C. Movement of the uncovered eye during a cover test: This is the correct option. During a cover test, one eye is covered while the other eye fixates on an object. If the uncovered eye moves to try to align with the covered eye, it may indicate strabismus or a misalignment of the eyes.

D. Light reflects symmetrically within each pupil during a corneal light reflex test: A corneal light reflex test assesses the alignment of the eyes by observing the reflection of light on the corneas. While asymmetry in the corneal light reflex can indicate strabismus, the description provided in this option suggests that the light reflects symmetrically within each pupil, which is a normal finding.

QUESTION

A nurse is providing teaching to an adolescent who has type 2 diabetes mellitus and a new prescription for metformin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. "Expect the medication to cause constipation for the first few days of therapy."

"Expect the medication to cause constipation for the first few days of therapy.": This statement is incorrect. Metformin commonly causes gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and nausea, especially when therapy is initiated. Constipation is not typically associated with metformin use.

B. "Take the medication at the same time each day."

"Take the medication at the same time each day.": This is a correct instruction. It is important for the adolescent to take metformin at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels of the medication and optimize its effectiveness.

C. "This medication is used for short-term therapy until your symptoms improve."

"This medication is used for short-term therapy until your symptoms improve.": This statement is incorrect. Metformin is typically used for long-term management of type 2 diabetes mellitus to help control blood sugar levels. It is not intended for short-term therapy.

D. "Take this medication 1 hour before meals."

"Take this medication 1 hour before meals.": This statement is incorrect. While metformin can be taken with meals to reduce gastrointestinal side effects, it is not necessary to take it specifically 1 hour before meals. It can be taken with meals or shortly after meals.

Full Explanation

A. "Expect the medication to cause constipation for the first few days of therapy.": This statement is incorrect. Metformin commonly causes gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and nausea, especially when therapy is initiated. Constipation is not typically associated with metformin use.

B. "Take the medication at the same time each day.": This is a correct instruction. It is important for the adolescent to take metformin at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels of the medication and optimize its effectiveness.

C. "This medication is used for short-term therapy until your symptoms improve.": This statement is incorrect. Metformin is typically used for long-term management of type 2 diabetes mellitus to help control blood sugar levels. It is not intended for short-term therapy.

D. "Take this medication 1 hour before meals.": This statement is incorrect. While metformin can be taken with meals to reduce gastrointestinal side effects, it is not necessary to take it specifically 1 hour before meals. It can be taken with meals or shortly after meals.