A patient tells the nurse that the only way he can adequately clean his ears is to use Q-tips. The best action by the nurse is to:
1. Educate the patient about the danger of using Q-tips.
2. Instruct the patient on proper use of Q-tips.
3. Check to see if the ears are clean.
4. Instruct the patient to use Q-tips only when necessary.
Educate the patient about danger of using Q-tips.
Rationale: Q-tips, or any small object, should never be used to clean inside the ears because of the risk of tympanic membrane rupture. Such objects may also force cerumen further into the ear, causing a blockage. There is not a proper way to use Q-tips since they should never be used to clean the ears. Checking the ears to check for a blockage is appropriate for any exam, but educating the client about the dangers of using Q-tips has a higher priority. Q-tips should never be used to clean the ears under any circumstances.
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