Sure! Below are 20 questions for a Medical-Surgical Nursing exam focused on ear disorders, particularly scenarios that require clinical reasoning and application of nursing knowledge.
Ear Disorders Exam Questions
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Scenario: A 45-year-old patient presents with tinnitus and a feeling of fullness in the ear. Upon examination, the nurse notes a bulging tympanic membrane. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A) Otitis externa
- B) Otitis media
- C) Meniere's disease
- D) Eustachian tube dysfunction
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Scenario: A patient with a history of frequent ear infections comes to the clinic complaining of severe ear pain and fever. What priority nursing intervention should the nurse implement?
- A) Administer prescribed antibiotics
- B) Apply warm compress to the affected ear
- C) Educate about ear hygiene
- D) Perform otoscopic examination
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Scenario: A child is diagnosed with otitis media and is prescribed amoxicillin. Which statement by the parent indicates a need for further teaching?
- A) "I will ensure my child finishes the entire antibiotic course."
- B) "I should take my child back if the ear pain worsens."
- C) "I can stop the antibiotic if my child feels better after a few days."
- D) "I should keep my child hydrated during this illness."
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Scenario: A patient is scheduled for a tympanostomy for recurrent otitis media. What is the primary nursing role preoperative?
- A) Assess for complications post-surgery
- B) Educate the family about the procedure
- C) Prepare the patient for anesthesia
- D) Monitor vital signs
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Scenario: A patient with Meniere's disease asks about lifestyle modifications. Which recommendation should the nurse provide?
- A) Increase sodium intake to regulate fluid balance
- B) Avoid caffeine and alcohol
- C) Engage in vigorous physical activity
- D) Use hearing aids for better sound clarity
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Scenario: An older patient reports sudden hearing loss in one ear and vertigo. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
- A) Acoustic neuroma
- B) Labyrinthitis
- C) Presbycusis
- D) Cerumen impaction
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Scenario: A nurse is teaching a patient with cerumen impaction about home care. Which statement by the patient indicates correct understanding?
- A) "I should use cotton swabs to clean my ears regularly."
- B) "I can use mineral oil to soften the earwax."
- C) "I need to avoid all types of water in my ears."
- D) "I can use a hairdryer inside my ear to remove wax."
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Scenario: A patient who works in a noisy environment reports ringing in the ears. Which condition is most consistent with this symptom?
- A) Otosclerosis
- B) Tinnitus
- C) Conductive hearing loss
- D) Presbycusis
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Scenario: A patient with a perforated tympanic membrane is being discharged. What is a key teaching point?
- A) Avoid water exposure to the ear
- B) Use ear drops to encourage healing
- C) Perform regular ear cleaning
- D) Return to normal activities immediately
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Scenario: A patient presents with allergic rhinitis and reports ear pain. What should the nurse assess for?
- A) Eustachian tube obstruction
- B) Pulmonary infection
- C) Ototoxicity
- D) Sinus infection
- Scenario: A 30-year-old patient is diagnosed with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). What nursing intervention is essential?
- A) Assess neurologic status frequently
- B) Teach the Epley maneuver
- C) Recommend complete bed rest
- D) Schedule an MRI to rule out tumors
- Scenario: A teenager presents with ear pain and hearing loss after swimming. What should the nurse assess for?
- A) Earwax blockage
- B) Otitis externa
- C) Eustachian tube dysfunction
- D) Presbycusis
- Scenario: A patient with a history of otosclerosis is experiencing conductive hearing loss. What surgical intervention might this patient consider?
- A) Myringotomy
- B) Tympanoplasty
- C) Stapedectomy
- D) Cochlear implant
- Scenario: A patient is diagnosed with acoustic neuroma. Which symptom should the nurse anticipate?
- A) Severe ear pain
- B) Persistent tinnitus
- C) Sudden hearing improvement
- D) Disharmony of taste
- Scenario: A nurse is assessing a child with frequent ear infections. What factor could the nurse identify as contributing to this condition?
- A) Improved nutrition
- B) Use of pacifiers
- C) High levels of exercise
- D) Limited exposure to smoke
- Scenario: A patient presents with a sudden onset of vertigo and hearing loss. The nurse documents these symptoms and suspects which diagnosis?
- A) Meniere’s disease
- B) Pertussis
- C) Chronic sinusitis
- D) Otosclerosis
- Scenario: A patient with ear discomfort and discharge is suspected to have otitis externa. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
- A) Instructing on the importance of ear cleaning
- B) Administering oral antibiotics
- C) Administering topical antibiotics/antiseptics
- D) Performing an otoscopic examination
- Scenario: During a routine assessment, the nurse finds that a patient has severe hearing impairment. What is the best initial nursing action?
- A) Refer for audiometric testing
- B) Ask the patient to read lips
- C) Speak loudly to the patient
- D) Schedule an ENT consultation
- Scenario: A patient is experiencing dizziness after swelling in the ear. What should the nurse assess for as a priority problem?
- A) Acid-base balance
- B) Neurological function
- C) Balance and coordination
- D) Hemodynamic stability
- Scenario: After ear surgery, a patient is at risk for developing a hematoma. What is a key nursing intervention to monitor for this complication?
- A) Monitor vital signs every hour
- B) Assess for increases in ear pain
- C) Assess for swelling and ecchymosis behind the ear
- D) Encourage increased fluid intake
Answers
- B - Otitis media
- A - Administer prescribed antibiotics
- C - "I can stop the antibiotic if my child feels better after a few days."
- B - Educate the family about the procedure
- B - Avoid caffeine and alcohol
- B - Labyrinthitis
- B - "I can use mineral oil to soften the earwax."
- B - Tinnitus
- A - Avoid water exposure to the ear
- A - Eustachian tube obstruction
- B - Teach the Epley maneuver
- B - Otitis externa
- C - Stapedectomy
- B - Persistent tinnitus
- B - Use of pacifiers
- A - Meniere’s disease
- C - Administering topical antibiotics/antiseptics
- A - Refer for audiometric testing
- C - Balance and coordination
- C - Assess for swelling and ecchymosis behind the ear
These questions are geared toward assessing the understanding of ear disorders, nursing management, and scenarios requiring critical thinking in medical-surgical nursing. Make sure to adhere to your institution's testing and academic integrity policies when using these questions!