The nurse is performing an otoscopic examination on a client with mastoiditis. On examination of the tympanic membrane, which finding should the nurse expect to observe?
A red, dull, thick, and immobile tympanic membrane.
A transparent and clear tympanic membrane.
A pearly colored tympanic membrane.
A pink colored tympanic membrane.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Mastoiditis often results in inflammation and infection that extend to the middle ear, causing the tympanic membrane to appear red, dull, thickened, and immobile upon examination.
B. A transparent and clear tympanic membrane is typical in a healthy ear, not in cases of mastoiditis.
C. A pearly colored tympanic membrane is also indicative of a normal, healthy ear without infection.
D. A pink-colored tympanic membrane may suggest mild irritation but is not a characteristic finding of mastoiditis.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Turning the client onto their operative side could increase pressure on the eye and is not an appropriate first action.
B. Administering prescribed pain medication and antiemetic is essential to address the client's severe pain and nausea, which are priority concerns in the postoperative period.
C. While it may be necessary to notify the surgeon if symptoms persist, the immediate priority is to alleviate the client's discomfort.
D. Reassuring the client that these symptoms are normal is misleading; severe pain and nausea postoperatively should be addressed promptly.
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.