The patient complains to the nurse about a perceived decrease in hearing. When the nurse examines the patient's ear, she notices a large amount of cerumen (ear wax) buildup at the entrance to the ear canal. The nurse should
a. Apply gentle, downward retraction of the ear canal.
b. Tell the patient to use a bobby pin to extract earwax.
c. Teach the patient how to use cotton-tipped applicators.
d. Instill hot water into the ear canal to melt the wax.
ANS: A
When cerumen is visible, gentle, downward retraction at the entrance to the ear canal causes the wax to loosen and slip out. Instruct the patient never to use sharp objects such as bobby pins or paper clips to remove earwax. Use of such objects traumatizes the ear canal and ruptures the tympanic membrane. Avoid the use of cotton-tipped applicators as well because they cause earwax to become impacted within the canal. Instilling cold or hot water causes nausea or vomiting.
You might also like to view...
The nurse assists the health care provider with the collection of cerebrospinal fluid. Which is an important safety measure for the nurse to follow immediately after collection of the sample?
1. Maintain sterility of the procedure tray. 2. Discard all sharps in a puncture-proof container. 3. Label specimens and send to the lab. 4. Remove PPE and discard.
A patient's potassium and calcium levels are below the normal range. The nurse realizes that which of the following electrolytes might also be decreased?
1. magnesium 2. sodium 3. phosphorous 4. chloride
The anterior fontanel usually closes at:
A) Age 1 to 2 months. B) Age 4 months. C) Age 6 months. D) Age 12 to 18 months.
Which of the following are not recommended for infants younger than 1 year old?
1. Bananas, strained fruits, and strained turkey 2. Egg white, honey, and nuts 3. Egg yolk, oatmeal, and rice cereal 4. Prune juice, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes