The UAP reports the client is complaining of dizziness and nausea after the administration of eardrops. What is the most likely cause of the dizziness?
Cerumen or drainage is occluding the ear canal.
Too much pressure was applied during instillation, with subsequent injury to the eardrum.
The client failed to remain in the side-lying position long enough.
The medication was too cold when it was administered.
The Correct Answer is D
A) Cerumen or drainage is occluding the ear canal: While cerumen or drainage can cause discomfort, it is less likely to be the direct cause of dizziness following the administration of eardrops. Dizziness is more commonly associated with changes in pressure or temperature in the ear.
B) Too much pressure was applied during instillation, with subsequent injury to the eardrum: Although excessive pressure can lead to injury, the immediate symptom of dizziness after eardrop administration is more closely related to other factors, particularly temperature or positioning.
C) The client failed to remain in the side-lying position long enough: This option is incorrect because not maintaining the position may affect medication absorption but is unlikely to cause immediate dizziness and nausea.
D) The medication was too cold when it was administered: This is the most likely cause of the dizziness. Cold eardrops can cause a rapid change in temperature within the ear canal, potentially stimulating the vestibular system and leading to dizziness or vertigo. It is generally recommended to warm eardrops to body temperature before administration to minimize this risk.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Cerumen or drainage is occluding the ear canal: While cerumen or drainage can cause discomfort, it is less likely to be the direct cause of dizziness following the administration of eardrops. Dizziness is more commonly associated with changes in pressure or temperature in the ear.
B) Too much pressure was applied during instillation, with subsequent injury to the eardrum: Although excessive pressure can lead to injury, the immediate symptom of dizziness after eardrop administration is more closely related to other factors, particularly temperature or positioning.
C) The client failed to remain in the side-lying position long enough: This option is incorrect because not maintaining the position may affect medication absorption but is unlikely to cause immediate dizziness and nausea.
D) The medication was too cold when it was administered: This is the most likely cause of the dizziness. Cold eardrops can cause a rapid change in temperature within the ear canal, potentially stimulating the vestibular system and leading to dizziness or vertigo. It is generally recommended to warm eardrops to body temperature before administration to minimize this risk.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Have the client sit up straight: This is the correct action. Sitting up straight helps ensure that the medication can be properly delivered to the nasal passages and increases the likelihood of effective absorption.
B) Leave the other nostril open while giving the medication: While it is often recommended to keep the opposite nostril open to allow for airflow, the medication should be delivered to one nostril at a time. The other nostril should typically be closed or pinched shut to direct the medication effectively.
C) Have the client tilt the head forward: This option is incorrect. Tilting the head forward can make it more difficult for the medication to reach the upper nasal passages. The client should usually keep their head in a neutral position or slightly tilted back.
D) Have the client squeeze the bottle while inhaling: This action is not ideal. The client should inhale gently while the nurse squeezes the atomizer to ensure that the medication is effectively distributed throughout the nasal passages. Squeezing the bottle should be coordinated with inhalation to achieve the best results.