A nurse is assessing a patient with an acoustic neuroma who has been recently admitted to an oncology unit. What symptoms is the nurse likely to find during the initial assessment?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A nurse assessing a patient with an acoustic neuroma would likely find symptoms such as loss of hearing, tinnitus, and vertigo. Acoustic neuroma, also known as vestibular schwannoma, is a noncancerous tumor that develops on the vestibulocochlear nerve, which carries sound and balance signals from the inner ear to the brain. The most common symptoms of an acoustic neuroma include progressive hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and dizziness or imbalance (vertigo). Therefore, option A is the most appropriate choice for the symptoms that the nurse is likely to find in a patient with an acoustic neuroma.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the assessment of a patient with potential placenta previa or abruptio placentae, the nurse should pay close attention to the amount and characteristics of vaginal bleeding. Placenta previa typically presents with painless vaginal bleeding, which can be sudden and significant. Therefore, a saturated perineal pad within a short period of time (1 hour) is more indicative of placenta previa, as opposed to abruptio placentae which usually presents with painful vaginal bleeding and may not necessarily saturate a perineal pad quickly. Monitoring the amount of bleeding and keeping track of pad saturation over time can provide valuable information to differentiate between these two conditions.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct sequence for drawing up a prescribed amount of sterile solution ordered is as follows: 6, 5, 1, 3, 2, 4.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Recurrent episodes of acute otitis media (AOM) can cause fluid accumulation in the middle ear, leading to hearing loss and increased risk of further infections. Insertion of a ventilation tube, also known as a tympanostomy tube, is a common intervention for children with recurrent AOM. This procedure involves placing a tiny tube through the eardrum to allow ventilation and drainage of fluid from the middle ear. Ventilation tubes help equalize pressure, prevent fluid buildup, and reduce the frequency of ear infections. It can improve hearing and decrease the likelihood of future episodes of AOM. Ossiculoplasty, insertion of a cochlear implant, and stapedectomy are not indicated for recurrent AOM.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: External otitis, also known as swimmer's ear, is an infection of the outer ear canal. It is often characterized by aural tenderness, which means that the ear is sensitive to touch and can be painful, especially when pressure is applied to the area. This tenderness is a hallmark symptom of external otitis and helps differentiate it from other ear conditions. Other common symptoms of external otitis include ear pain, itchiness, redness, and swelling of the ear canal. External otitis is usually not accompanied by a high fever, and it is not typically related to an upper respiratory infection. Using cotton-tipped applicators to clean the ear can actually increase the risk of developing external otitis by disrupting the natural protective barrier of the ear canal.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The preceptor would need to follow up with the new nurse for charting consecutively on every other line. This behavior is incorrect as it can lead to confusion and potential errors in documentation. Correct charting practice involves documenting consecutively, line by line without skipping lines in between. The preceptor should provide guidance and correction to ensure accurate and organized documentation for patient care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Redness of the eye after cataract surgery can be a sign of infection or inflammation, which are serious complications that require immediate medical attention. Redness may be accompanied by pain, swelling, or discharge, and if left untreated, it can lead to complications that may affect the surgical outcome and the patient's vision. Therefore, it is crucial for the patient to contact the office immediately if they notice any redness in their eye following cataract surgery.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, is a form of treatment that can help reduce symptoms for individuals with severe allergies to substances such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. This treatment involves exposing the patient to small, increasing doses of the allergen over time to help the immune system gradually build up a tolerance. Patients with severe allergies to grass and tree pollen would most likely benefit from immunotherapy as it can help reduce their allergy symptoms and improve their quality of life. On the other hand, individuals with anaphylactic reactions to insect stings (Choice A), allergies to eggs and dairy (Choice B), or a positive tuberculin skin test (Choice C) are not typically candidates for immunotherapy as their conditions are not related to the type of allergies that are commonly treated with this method.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should prioritize closely monitoring the input and output of the bladder irrigation system to assess for the risk of imbalanced fluid volume in a patient following a transuretheral resection of the prostate. Bladder irrigation is a common postoperative procedure used to prevent blood clots and help with healing. Monitoring the input and output of the bladder irrigation system is crucial in assessing the patient's fluid balance. Changes in the output may indicate bleeding or retention, which can lead to imbalanced fluid volume. By closely monitoring the bladder irrigation system, the nurse can promptly identify any issues and intervene accordingly to prevent further complications. Monitoring the patient's level of consciousness, skin turgor, and scanning for bladder retention are important assessments, but for this specific situation, monitoring the bladder irrigation system is the priority to assess for imbalanced fluid volume.