ATI LPN
Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017)
Chapter 64 : Assessment and Management of Patients with Hearing and Balance Disorders Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is teaching preventative measures for otitis externa to a group of older adults. What action should the nurse encourage?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Avoiding cotton swabs prevents trauma to the ear canal, reducing otitis externa risk. Rinsing ears, noise avoidance, or routine antibiotics are not effective preventive measures.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is reviewing the health history of a newly admitted patient and reads that the patient has been previously diagnosed with exostoses. How should the nurse accommodate this fact into the patients plan of care?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Exostoses are benign bony growths in the ear canal that typically do not affect hearing or require specific interventions. Testing or medication reviews are unnecessary unless other symptoms arise.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient who has undergone a mastoidectomy. In an effort to prevent postoperative infection, what intervention should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Keeping the ear dry for 6 weeks post-mastoidectomy prevents infection by avoiding water entry into the surgical site. Ototoxic drugs, cerumen removal, or temperature extremes are not infection-related risks.
Question 4 of 5
A patient is being discharged home after mastoid surgery. What topic should the nurse include in discharge teaching?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Teaching about analgesics and antivertiginous agents supports safe management of pain and vertigo post-mastoidectomy. Facial nerve changes are complications, audiometry is not routine, and OTC ear drops are not recommended.
Question 5 of 5
After mastoid surgery, an 81-year-old patient has been identified as needing assistance in her home. What would be a primary focus of this patients home care?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Post-mastoidectomy vertigo increases fall risk, making ambulation assistance a primary home care focus, especially for an elderly patient. Diet, rest, and hearing loss are not primary concerns.