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,A client recently diagnosed with Ménière's disease is struggling with tinnitus. How does the
nurse provide support to this client?
A. Provide further assessment.
B. Suggest a quiet environment.
C. Suggest temporary removal of a hearing aid.
D. Refer the client to the American Tinnitus Association.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The American Tinnitus Association provides resources and support for individuals
struggling with tinnitus. While a quiet environment may help some clients, professional support
and guidance from an organization specializing in tinnitus management can be more effective.
An older adult client reports ear pain. To differentiate the cause, which clinical manifestation is
more indicative of otitis media?
A. Dry, flaky cerumen
B. Pain on movement of the tragus
C. Ringing in the ears
D. Vertigo
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Vertigo is a key symptom of otitis media, as inflammation in the middle ear can affect
balance and equilibrium. Pain on tragus movement is more indicative of otitis externa, and dry
cerumen does not suggest an infection.
An older adult client reports nausea during removal of impacted cerumen from the ear canal.
What does the nurse do next?
A. Administer an antiemetic.
B. Call the health care provider.
C. Stop irrigation immediately.
D. Use less water to irrigate.
Correct Answer: C
,Rationale: The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) can be stimulated during ear irrigation, causing
nausea and even syncope. Stopping the procedure immediately prevents further adverse
effects.
Which type of drug therapy does the nurse anticipate giving to a client with Ménière's disease
to decrease endolymph volume?
A. Antihistamines
B. Antipyretics
C. Diuretics
D. Nicotinic acid
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide, are often prescribed to reduce fluid buildup in
the inner ear, thereby decreasing vertigo episodes associated with Ménière’s disease.
A client is in the immediate postoperative period after tympanoplasty. How does the nurse
position the client?
A. On the affected side
B. Supine, with eyes toward the ceiling
C. With the head elevated 60 degrees
D. With the affected ear facing up
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Positioning the client with the affected ear facing up prevents pressure on the
surgical site and promotes healing by preventing fluid accumulation.
The nurse is reviewing postoperative instructions with a client undergoing stapedectomy. Which
statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I may have problems with vertigo after the surgery."
B. "I should not drink from a straw for several weeks."
C. "I will have to take antibiotics after the surgery."
D. "I will be able to hear as soon as my dressing is removed."
Correct Answer: D
, Rationale: Hearing improvement after a stapedectomy may take several weeks due to post-
surgical swelling. Immediate hearing restoration is unlikely, and this statement reflects a
misunderstanding of the expected recovery process.
A client is having a stapedectomy. Which form of postoperative communication is most effective
for the nurse to use?
A. Gesturing
B. Sign language
C. Speaking
D. Writing
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Writing is the most reliable form of communication immediately after surgery, as the
client may have temporary hearing loss and should avoid activities that increase pressure in the
ear.
The nurse is caring for a client who is admitted with mastoiditis. Which assessment data
obtained by the nurse requires the most immediate action?
A. The eardrum is red, thick-appearing, and immobile.
B. The lymph nodes are swollen and painful to touch.
C. The client reports a headache and a stiff neck.
D. The client's oral temperature is 100.1° F (37.8° C).
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A headache and stiff neck may indicate meningitis, a serious complication of
mastoiditis that requires immediate medical intervention.
The nurse has just received change-of-shift report about these clients. Which client needs to be
assessed first?
A. Client with Ménière's disease who is reporting severe nausea and is requesting an antiemetic
B. Client who has had removal of an acoustic neuroma and has complete hearing loss on the
surgical side
C. Client with labyrinthitis who has a temperature of 102.4° F (39.1° C) and a headache
D. Client who has acute otitis media and is reporting drainage from the affected ear