The nurse in the ED is caring for a 4 year-old brought in by his parents who state that the child will not stop crying and pulling at his ear. Based on information collected by the nurse, which of the following statements applies to a diagnosis of external otitis?

Questions 101

ATI RN

ATI RN Test Bank

foundation of nursing practice questions Questions

Question 1 of 5

The nurse in the ED is caring for a 4 year-old brought in by his parents who state that the child will not stop crying and pulling at his ear. Based on information collected by the nurse, which of the following statements applies to a diagnosis of external otitis?

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.

Question 2 of 5

The nurse is providing care for a patient who has benefited from a cochlear implant. The nurse should understand that this patients health history likely includes which of the following? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

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: After a mastoidectomy, the ear should be protected from water for several weeks. This is because exposing the area to water can increase the risk of infection. Keeping the ear dry allows the surgical site to heal properly and reduces the likelihood of postoperative complications such as infection. Therefore, instructing the patient to protect the ear from water is an important intervention to prevent postoperative infection following a mastoidectomy.

Question 4 of 5

A child has been experiencing recurrent episodes of acute otitis media (AOM). The nurse should anticipate that what intervention is likely to be ordered?

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.

Question 5 of 5

The nurse is planning discharge education for a patient with trigeminal neuralgia. The nurse knows to include information about factors that precipitate an attack. What would the nurse be correct in teaching the patient to avoid?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition characterized by severe facial pain due to irritation or damage to the trigeminal nerve. Factors such as touching or lightly brushing the face, chewing, speaking, or even encountering a breeze can trigger an attack. Therefore, activities like washing the face that involve touching or stimulating the trigeminal nerve can precipitate an attack in patients with trigeminal neuralgia. It is important for patients to be aware of these triggers to help manage and prevent episodes of pain.

Access More Questions!

ATI RN Basic


$89/ 30 days

ATI RN Premium


$150/ 90 days

Similar Questions