An older adult patient has been diagnosed with macular degeneration and the nurse is assessing him for changes in visual acuity since his last clinic visit. When assessing the patient for recent changes in visual acuity, the patient states that he sees the lines on an Amsler grid as being distorted. What is the nurses most appropriate response?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Distorted lines on an Amsler grid can be an indication of changes in central vision, which is commonly seen in macular degeneration. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to arrange for the patient to visit his ophthalmologist promptly for further evaluation and management. The ophthalmologist will be able to determine the severity of the visual changes, provide appropriate treatment options, and closely monitor the progression of macular degeneration. This proactive approach ensures that the patient receives timely and specialized care for his condition. Options A, B, and D do not directly address the urgency of the situation and the need for specialized ophthalmologic evaluation in cases of macular degeneration.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to provide to the patient is that the patient should discuss this new herbal remedy with her ophthalmologist promptly. This is essential because herbal remedies can interact with prescription medications or affect the patient's eye condition. The ophthalmologist can provide guidance on the safety and effectiveness of the herbal remedy in relation to the patient's glaucoma treatment plan. It is crucial for healthcare providers to be aware of all treatments the patient is receiving to ensure coordinated and optimal care.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Patients with Meniere's disease are often advised to limit their intake of salt as excess salt can worsen symptoms such as dizziness and vertigo. Shellfish tend to be high in sodium, so patients with Meniere's disease should be instructed to avoid or limit their consumption of shellfish to help manage their condition. It is important for the nurse to provide comprehensive diet education to the patient to help them minimize symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.

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: One of the most significant challenges experienced by patients with hearing loss who are adapting to using a hearing aid for the first time is learning to cope with the amplification of background noise. When a person starts using a hearing aid after experiencing hearing loss, they may find that the device picks up not only the sounds they want to hear but also surrounding noises, such as background chatter, traffic noise, or ambient sounds. This sudden increase in volume and clarity of background noise can be overwhelming and challenging for the individual to adjust to. It can affect their ability to focus on conversations or specific sounds they are trying to hear, leading to frustration and potentially causing them to avoid using the hearing aid altogether. Supporting the patient in gradually acclimating to these new sounds and providing strategies for managing background noise can help improve their overall experience with the hearing aid.