The nurse is teaching a patient to care for her new ocular prosthesis. What should the nurse emphasize during the patients health education?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: The need to perform thorough hand hygiene before handling the prosthesis. This is crucial to prevent infection. By washing hands thoroughly, the patient reduces the risk of introducing harmful bacteria or pathogens to the prosthesis, which could lead to infections or other complications. Incorrect Choices: A: The need to limit exposure to bright light - This is not directly related to caring for an ocular prosthesis. B: The need to maintain a low Fowlers position when removing the prosthesis - Positioning is not typically a concern when caring for an ocular prosthesis. D: The need to apply antiviral ointment to the prosthesis daily - Antiviral ointment is not a standard part of ocular prosthesis care unless specifically prescribed by a healthcare provider for a particular reason.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Compensating for vision loss for the next several weeks. This is the priority subject for discharge education because vision loss is a common outcome post vitreoretinal procedure. The patient needs to understand how to adapt to this temporary impairment, such as using assistive devices and modifying their environment. A: Risk factors for postoperative CMV is not the priority as it is not a common concern in this situation. C: Non-pharmacologic pain management is important but not the priority compared to vision loss. D: Signs and symptoms of increased intraocular pressure are important but not as crucial as managing vision loss.

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: