Bell's Palsy

A 32-year-old pregnant patient with Bell's palsy refuses to eat while others are present because of embarrassment about drooling. The best response by the nurse is to a. respect the patient's feelings and arrange for privacy at mealtimes. b. teach the patient to chew food on the unaffected side of the mouth. c. offer the patient liquid nutritional supplements at frequent intervals. d. discuss the patient's concerns with visitors who arrive at mealtimes.

(Quizlet - meredithsuz) a. respect the patient's feelings and arrange for privacy at mealtimes

The nurse identifies a patient with type 1 diabetes and a history of herpes simplex infection as being at risk for Bell's palsy. Which information should the nurse include in teaching the patient? a. "You may be able to prevent Bell's palsy by doing facial exercises regularly." b. "Prophylactic treatment of herpes with antiviral agents prevents Bell's palsy." c. "Medications to treat Bell's palsy work only if started before paralysis onset." d. "Call the doctor if you experience pain or develop herpes lesions near the ear."

(Quizlet - meredithsuz) d. call the doctor if you experience pain or develop herpes lesions near the ear

3. The client comes to the clinic and reports a sudden drooping of the left side of the face and complains of pain in that area. The nurse notes that the client cannot wrinkle the forehead or close the left eye. Which condition should the nurse suspect? 1. Bell's palsy. 2. Right-sided stroke. 3. Tetany. 4. Mononeuropathy.

(Success) 1. Bell's palsy 1. Bell's palsy, called facial paralysis, is a disorder of the 7th cranial nerve (facial nerve) characterized by unilateral paralysis of facial muscles.

8. Which should be the nurse's first intervention with the client diagnosed with Bell's palsy? 1. Explain that this disorder will resolve within a month. 2. Tell the client to apply heat to the involved side of the face. 3. Encourage the client to eat a soft diet. 4. Teach the client to protect the affected eye from injury.

(Success) 4. Teach the client to protect the affected eye from injury. 4. Teaching the client to protect the eye is priority because the eye does not close completely and the blink reflex is diminished, making the eye vulnerable to injury. The client should wear an eye patch at night and wrap around sunglasses or goggles during the day; he or she may also need artificial tears.