The nurse is providing discharge education to an adult patient who will begin a regimen of ocular medications for the treatment of glaucoma. How can the nurse best determine if the patient is able to self-administer these medications safely and effectively?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. By asking the patient to demonstrate the instillation of medications, the nurse can directly assess the patient's ability to self-administer the medications safely and effectively. This method allows for a practical demonstration of skills, which is more reliable than relying solely on verbal descriptions or past experiences. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because assessing for previous inability, describing the method, or evaluating functional status may not directly demonstrate the patient's competency in self-administering ocular medications.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pain on manipulation of the auricle is characteristic of otitis externa. This is because otitis externa is an infection or inflammation of the outer ear canal, causing pain and tenderness when the ear is touched or manipulated. A: Tophi on the pinna and ear lobe is characteristic of gout, not otitis externa. B: Dark yellow cerumen in the external auditory canal is common and not specific to otitis externa. D: Air bubbles visible in the middle ear are associated with otitis media, not otitis externa. In summary, pain on manipulation of the auricle is a key assessment finding in otitis externa, distinguishing it from other ear conditions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Sensorineural hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve (cranial nerve VIII). Exostoses (A) are bony growths in the ear canal, not related to cranial nerve VIII. Otalgia (B) refers to ear pain, not hearing loss. Presbycusis (D) is age-related hearing loss, not specifically related to damage of the end organ for hearing or cranial nerve VIII. Therefore, C is the most appropriate term to describe the given condition.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Postoperative day 6 following tympanoplasty and mastoidectomy is still within the early phase of recovery, where occasional sharp, shooting pains in the affected ear can be expected due to the healing process. Here's a step-by-step rationale: 1. Timing: It is only day 6 post-surgery, so it is normal to experience some pain as part of the healing process. 2. Nature of pain: Sharp, shooting pains are common post-surgery due to tissue healing and nerve regeneration. 3. Lack of other symptoms: The patient did not report any other concerning symptoms like fever or discharge, which would be more indicative of an infection. 4. Unlikely complications: Spontaneous rupture of the tympanic membrane or unsuccessful surgery would typically present with more severe and consistent symptoms. Summary: - B: Unlikely as there are no other signs of infection. - C: Unlikely as the pain is described as occasional and sharp. - D:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct term for the involuntary, rhythmic eye movements seen in the patient with multiple sclerosis is nystagmus. Nystagmus is a condition characterized by repetitive, uncontrolled eye movements that can be horizontal, vertical, or rotary. In multiple sclerosis, nystagmus can occur due to damage to the nerves that control eye movement. Vertigo (choice A) is a sensation of spinning or dizziness, not related to eye movements. Tinnitus (choice B) is a perception of noise or ringing in the ears. Astigmatism (choice D) is a refractive error of the eye, not related to involuntary eye movements.