The nurse at a clinic is providing education to a patient with recurrent otitis externa. The nurse is evaluating the patient's understanding of the instructions. Which statement by the patient best demonstrates understanding?
a. "I'll keep the ear canal free of earwax."
b. "I'll keep the ear canal as dry as possible."
c. "I can use cotton-tipped applicators to dry my ear."
d. "I should insert ear plugs when showering and swimming."
B
The patient should keep the ear and canal as dry as possible to inhibit further growth of bacteria in the ear.
Removing earwax (cerumen) may cause further abrasion of the epithelium and create an opening for bacterial entry.
Cotton-tipped applicators may also cause abrasions inside the already inflamed and tender ear.
Ear plugs are not necessary and may contribute to further abrasions in the ear.
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A patient with third degree burns on both lower extremities from a house fire has been in the hospital for two weeks. The patient states, "I do not feel like walking today. I am going to stay in bed." What is the best response by the nurse?
A) "I understand. I have days like that too. Go ahead and stay in bed." B) "I am going to tell the doctor that you were not compliant with the order to get out of bed." C) "I will allow you to wait until the afternoon, but then you must get up." D) "It is important for your recovery to walk every day. Let's walk in the hallway for 10 minutes and then get a snack."
Vascular disease disorders often require the use of elastic stockings. When caring for a patient with elastic stockings, the nurse should:
1. apply the stockings in the late afternoon. 2. remove the stockings weekly. 3. remove the stockings when the patient is ambulating. 4. inspect the skin for pressure or irritation daily.
The nurse-manager explains to a new nurse at the ambulatory clinic that the service for which the telephone nursing practice is not feasible is
a. assessing a client's needs based on the nurse's perception. b. developing a collaborative plan of care with a client. c. evaluating outcomes of practice and care. d. prioritizing the urgency of a client's needs.
Which activity would be appropriate to suggest to the client who states that she has difficulty falling asleep every evening?
A) Take a cool shower before bedtime. B) Drink a glass of warm milk before bed. C) Exercise lightly for 30 minutes before sleep. D) Watch television for a few minutes to induce sleepiness.