The ear
The nurse is reinforcing instructions to a client regarding the use of a hearing aid. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
"I should turn the hearing aid off after removing it from my ear."
The nurse notes that the health care provider has documented a diagnosis of presbycusis on the client's chart. The nurse understands that this condition is accurately described as which?
A sensorineural hearing loss that occurs with aging. caused by nerve degeneration in the inner ear or auditory nerve.
A client was just admitted to the hospital to rule out a gastrointestinal (GI) bleed. The client has brought several bottles of medications prescribed by different specialists. During the admission assessment, the client states, "Lately, I have been hearing some roaring sounds in my ears, especially when I am alone." Which medication should the nurse determine to be the cause of the client's complaint?
Aspirin is contraindicated for gastrointestinal bleed and is potentially ototoxic. (Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)
A client with Ménière's disease is experiencing severe vertigo. The nurse reinforces instructions to the client to do which to assist in controlling the vertigo?
Avoid sudden head movements
The nurse is caring for a client who is hearing-impaired and should take which approach to facilitate communication?
Speak in a normal tone.
A client arrives at the emergency department with a foreign body in the left ear that has been determined to be an insect. Which initial intervention should the nurse anticipate to be prescribed?
Instillation of mineral oil or diluted alcohol
The nurse provides discharge instructions to the client who was hospitalized for an acute attack of Ménière's disease. Which statement made by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
It is not necessary to restrict salt in my diet."
The nurse is assigned to care for a client hospitalized with Ménière's disease. The nurse expects that which would most likely be prescribed for the client?
Low-sodium diet
The nurse is preparing to administer eardrops to an adult client. The nurse administers the eardrops by which technique?
Pulling the pinna up and back
The nurse is reviewing the record of a client with mastoiditis. The nurse should expect to note which documented characteristic regarding the results of the otoscopic examination?
Red, dull, thick, and immobile tympanic membrane
The nurse is reviewing the health care record of a client with a diagnosis of otosclerosis. The nurse should expect to note documentation of which early symptom of this disorder?
Ringing in the ears
The nurse is attempting to communicate with a hearing-impaired client. Which strategy by the nurse would be least helpful when talking to this client?
Smiling continuously during conversation
The nurse is caring for a client who will be undergoing surgical treatment for Ménière's disease. The nurse plans care based on which expected outcome?
The surgery relieves pressure from accumulation of inner ear fluid in the endolymphatic sac.
The nurse assists to prepare the client for ear irrigation as prescribed by the health care provider. Which action should the nurse plan to take?
Warm the irrigating solution to 98° F.
A client is diagnosed with a disorder involving the inner ear. The nurse caring for the client understands that which is the most common client complaint associated with a disorder involving the inner ear?
Tinnitus is the most common complaint of clients with otological disorders, especially disorders involving the inner ear. Symptoms of tinnitus range from mild ringing in the ear that can go unnoticed during the day, to a loud roaring in the ear that can interfere with the client's thinking process and attention span.
