What symptoms would a nurse suspect in a client with acoustic neuroma?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In a client with acoustic neuroma, the nurse would suspect symptoms such as altered facial sensation. This is because acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor that affects the vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII), leading to symptoms such as facial numbness or altered sensation due to the proximity of the tumor to the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V). Option A is correct because altered facial sensation is a common symptom of acoustic neuroma due to its impact on the cranial nerves in the area. Option B, vertigo only when standing, is incorrect because vertigo is a common symptom of acoustic neuroma regardless of the client's position. Option C, tinnitus in the unaffected ear, is incorrect as tinnitus typically occurs in the affected ear in cases of acoustic neuroma due to the pressure on the auditory nerve. Option D, impaired facial movement when smiling, is incorrect as impaired facial movement is more commonly associated with conditions affecting the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII), not cranial nerve VIII as in the case of acoustic neuroma. Educational context: Understanding the specific symptoms associated with acoustic neuroma is crucial for nurses to effectively assess and care for clients with this condition. Recognizing these symptoms can lead to early detection and appropriate management, improving client outcomes and quality of care.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The primary complication of untreated otitis media is indeed all of the above: hearing loss, meningitis, and cholesteatoma. Hearing loss is a common consequence of chronic otitis media due to damage to the middle ear structures caused by recurrent infections. Meningitis can occur when the infection spreads from the middle ear to the meninges, leading to a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. Cholesteatoma is a rare but serious complication of untreated otitis media where a cyst-like growth develops in the middle ear, potentially eroding surrounding structures and causing further complications. Understanding these complications is crucial in the context of pharmacology as appropriate treatment with antibiotics for acute otitis media can prevent progression to chronic otitis media and subsequent complications. Pharmacological interventions play a key role in managing otitis media and preventing these severe outcomes. Therefore, healthcare providers must be knowledgeable about the potential complications to provide timely and effective treatment.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: The main risk factor for developing presbycusis is age (option A). Presbycusis is age-related hearing loss that occurs gradually as a person gets older. This condition is primarily caused by the natural aging process, which leads to changes in the inner ear, including the deterioration of hair cells and other structures involved in hearing. As individuals age, their ability to hear high-frequency sounds diminishes, making it difficult to understand speech and other sounds. Noise exposure (option B) is a risk factor for developing noise-induced hearing loss but is not the main factor for presbycusis. Noise-induced hearing loss typically results from prolonged exposure to loud noises and can affect individuals of any age. Genetics (option C) can play a role in hearing loss, but in the case of presbycusis, age is the primary factor. While genetic factors can contribute to an individual's susceptibility to hearing loss, they are not the main risk factor for presbycusis. Selecting "All of the above" (option D) is incorrect because while age, noise exposure, and genetics can all influence hearing loss, the primary risk factor for presbycusis specifically is age-related changes in the inner ear. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in pharmacology and healthcare to provide appropriate interventions and support for individuals experiencing age-related hearing loss.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: Hordeolum, commonly known as a stye, is a localized infection in the eyelid glands. The primary symptom of hordeolum is redness and swelling (Option A). This occurs due to the inflammation of the affected gland, leading to the formation of a tender, red bump on the eyelid. Option B, itching, is not a primary symptom of hordeolum. Itching is more commonly associated with conditions like allergies or dry eyes rather than a stye. Option C, blurred vision, is also not a typical symptom of hordeolum. Blurred vision can occur in conditions affecting the cornea or lens of the eye, not in a localized infection of the eyelid glands. Option D, dry eyes, is not directly related to hordeolum. Dry eyes result from inadequate tear production or excessive tear evaporation, and they do not typically manifest as a primary symptom of a stye. Educational Context: Understanding the primary symptoms of common eye conditions like hordeolum is crucial for healthcare providers to accurately assess and manage patients presenting with these issues. Recognizing the distinguishing features of hordeolum, such as redness and swelling, helps in making a prompt diagnosis and initiating appropriate treatment to alleviate discomfort and prevent complications.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the best response by the nurse to a quiet and uncommunicative client is option D: Offer silence and wait patiently. This approach allows the client the space and time they may need to gather their thoughts and feel comfortable enough to communicate. Silence can be therapeutic and non-intrusive, providing the client with an opportunity to initiate conversation at their own pace. Option A, thinking over the questions, may not be appropriate in this situation as the client may not be ready or willing to engage in active thinking or problem-solving. Option B, discussing with an instructor or peers, is not feasible in a healthcare setting where the nurse is the primary caregiver and support for the client. Option C, acknowledging the client's feelings and encouraging expression, is a good therapeutic communication technique, but in this case, the client may not be ready to express their feelings verbally. Offering silence and patiently waiting respects the client's autonomy and allows them to communicate when they are ready. Educationally, it is essential for nurses to understand the importance of therapeutic communication techniques in building rapport with clients. Providing a safe and non-judgmental environment for clients to express themselves is crucial in promoting trust and facilitating effective care. Patience and active listening are key components of effective nurse-client communication in healthcare settings.