A patient has been diagnosed with serous otitis media for the third time in the past year. How should the nurse best interpret this patients health status?

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Question 1 of 5

A patient has been diagnosed with serous otitis media for the third time in the past year. How should the nurse best interpret this patients health status?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Serous otitis media is common in children due to eustachian tube dysfunction, not usually related to systemic infections. Step 2: Recurrent infections may indicate age-related changes like decreased eustachian tube function. Step 3: Age-related physiologic changes can lead to poor drainage, causing recurrent otitis media. Step 4: Therefore, choice A is correct as it aligns with the typical presentation of serous otitis media in the context of age. Summary: Choice B is incorrect as there is no indication for temporary mobility restriction. Choice C is incorrect as serous otitis media does not typically warrant assessment for nasopharyngeal cancer. Choice D is incorrect as blood cultures are not typically indicated for serous otitis media.

Question 2 of 5

The nurse and a colleague are performing the Epley maneuver with a patient who has a diagnosis of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. The nurses should begin this maneuver by performing what action?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assisting the patient into a sitting position. The Epley maneuver is used to treat benign paroxysmal positional vertigo by repositioning displaced calcium carbonate crystals in the inner ear. This maneuver involves a series of specific head movements. Starting with the patient in a sitting position allows for proper orientation and positioning for subsequent movements to be effective. Placing the patient in a prone position (A) would not facilitate the correct positioning for the maneuver. Instilling warm saline into the ear (C) is not part of the Epley maneuver. Assessing baseline hearing (D) is unrelated to performing the Epley maneuver.

Question 3 of 5

The nurse is discharging a patient home after mastoid surgery. What should the nurse include in discharge teaching?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: "Don't blow your nose for 2 to 3 weeks." After mastoid surgery, blowing the nose can increase pressure in the surgical area and disrupt healing. Here's the rationale: 1. Blowing the nose can increase pressure in the surgical area and lead to complications. 2. Avoiding blowing the nose helps prevent infection and reduces the risk of damaging the surgical site. 3. It is essential to follow this instruction to promote proper healing and reduce the chances of postoperative complications. In summary, the other choices are incorrect because inducing a sneeze, exercising, and avoiding side-lying position do not directly relate to the specific care needs after mastoid surgery.

Question 4 of 5

The nurse is discharging a patient home after surgery for trigeminal neuralgia. What advice should the nurse provide to this patient in order to reduce the risk of injury?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step 1: Trigeminal neuralgia involves severe facial pain, often triggered by touch or movement. Step 2: Rubbing the eye on the affected side can trigger pain due to the trigeminal nerve involvement. Step 3: Therefore, advising the patient to avoid rubbing the eye on the affected side is crucial to prevent pain exacerbation and potential injury. Step 4: Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not directly address the risk of injury related to trigeminal neuralgia.

Question 5 of 5

A 37-year-old man is brought to the clinic by his wife because he is experiencing loss of motor function and sensation. The physician suspects the patient has a spinal cord tumor and hospitalizes him for diagnostic testing. In light of the need to diagnose spinal cord compression from a tumor, the nurse will most likely prepare the patient for what test?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: MRI. MRI is the most appropriate test for diagnosing spinal cord compression from a tumor as it provides detailed images of soft tissues, including the spinal cord and surrounding structures. It can accurately identify the location, size, and extent of the tumor. Anterior-posterior x-ray (A) is not as detailed and may not clearly show soft tissue abnormalities. Ultrasound (B) is not typically used for imaging the spinal cord and may not provide sufficient information. Lumbar puncture (C) is used to collect cerebrospinal fluid and is not helpful for diagnosing spinal cord compression from a tumor.

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