A nurse is caring for a client that has been diagnosed with external otitis. Which of the following clinical symptoms should the nurse be monitoring?
Edema of the ear canal.
Purulent drainage from the ear canal.
Burning in the ear canal.
Pain when moving the auricle.
External ear tender to touch.
Correct Answer : A,B,C,D,E
A. Edema of the ear canal is a common symptom of external otitis, indicating inflammation and infection in the area.
B. Purulent drainage from the ear canal often signifies bacterial infection and is a key symptom to monitor.
C. Burning in the ear canal can occur due to inflammation and is a common complaint in external otitis.
D. Pain when moving the auricle is a classic symptom of external otitis, indicating irritation or inflammation of the external ear.
E. Tenderness of the external ear is a common finding in external otitis and should be monitored as it indicates inflammation and potential infection.
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Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Elevating the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees helps facilitate venous drainage from the brain, thereby reducing ICP.
B. Administering intravenous fluids rapidly is not appropriate, as it can lead to fluid overload and increase ICP.
C. Keeping the client in a calm and quiet environment minimizes stimulation, which can contribute to increased ICP.
D. Administering morphine sulfate as prescribed can provide pain relief, which may help decrease ICP since pain can contribute to increased intracranial pressure.
E. The Valsalva maneuver increases intrathoracic pressure and can lead to increased ICP, making it contraindicated in this scenario.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The Glasgow Coma Scale is useful for assessing consciousness levels but may not be as sensitive for changes in brainstem function in a patient already in an induced coma.
B. Assessing pupillary size and reaction provides critical information on brainstem function and can indicate changes in ICP. Changes in pupil size and reaction can signify worsening cerebral function or brain herniation.
C. Blood pressure and heart rate are vital signs that can suggest increased ICP, but they are not as direct an indicator of cerebral function as pupil assessment.
D. The gag reflex is important but does not provide as direct information about cerebral function related to ICP as pupillary assessment does.