A patient complains of pain in her right eye. On examination, the nurse sees a pustule at the lid margin that is painful to touch, red, and swollen. The nurse recognizes that this is:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: a hordeolum (stye). A hordeolum is a localized infection in the eyelid, typically caused by bacterial infection of the oil glands. In this case, the presence of a painful pustule at the lid margin, along with redness and swelling, is characteristic of a hordeolum. The pain on touch is also indicative of an infection. Choice A, a chalazion, is an inflammatory lesion caused by a blocked oil gland, but it is usually painless and not typically associated with redness or tenderness. Choice C, dacryocystitis, is an infection of the lacrimal sac, which presents with different symptoms such as tenderness over the inner corner of the eye and tearing. Choice D, blepharitis, is inflammation of the eyelid margins, but it does not typically present with a painful pustule at the lid margin.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: The purpose of cerumen is to protect and lubricate the ear. Cerumen, commonly known as earwax, acts as a natural barrier to prevent dust, debris, and microorganisms from entering the ear canal. It also helps to lubricate the skin in the ear canal and prevent dryness and itching. Choice A is incorrect because sticky, honey-colored cerumen is not necessarily a sign of infection; it can occur due to various factors. Choice B is incorrect as the presence of cerumen does not solely indicate poor hygiene; everyone produces earwax regardless of hygiene practices. Choice D is incorrect as cerumen can sometimes block the ear canal and impair sound transmission rather than aid it.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: CN VIII. The vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII) is responsible for conducting nerve impulses from the organ of Corti in the inner ear to the brain. This nerve specifically carries auditory information to the brainstem and auditory cortex for processing. Choice A (CN I) is incorrect as it is the olfactory nerve responsible for smell. Choice B (CN III) is incorrect as it is the oculomotor nerve responsible for eye movement. Choice D (CN XI) is incorrect as it is the accessory nerve responsible for neck and shoulder movements.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because rubella can indeed damage the organ of Corti in the fetus, which is responsible for hearing. During the first trimester, when the hearing structures are forming, any damage to the organ of Corti can result in impaired hearing for the infant. Choice A is incorrect because rubella can impact the fetus, including the organs responsible for hearing. Choice C is incorrect because rubella can be harmful to the fetus at any stage of pregnancy, not just the second trimester. Choice D is incorrect because CN VIII (the vestibulocochlear nerve) is not directly affected by rubella, rather it is the organ of Corti that is damaged.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because dry, flaky cerumen can indicate a change in cilia in the ear canal, potentially leading to conductive hearing loss. This warrants further assessment by the nurse to ensure the patient's aural health is not compromised. A: Eczema lesions typically present differently and are not directly related to dry cerumen. B: While hygiene can contribute to cerumen buildup, dry, flaky cerumen alone does not necessarily indicate poor hygiene. C: Dry, flaky cerumen is not considered a normal finding in a healthy ear and should prompt further evaluation.