Author Question: The nurse teaches a patient about discharge instructions after a rhinoplasty. Which statement, if ... (Read 98 times)

Jramos095 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

The nurse teaches a patient about discharge instructions after a rhinoplasty. Which statement, if made by the patient, indicates that the teaching was successful?

a. I can take 800 mg ibuprofen for pain control.
b. I will safely remove and reapply nasal packing daily.
c. My nose will look normal after 24 hours when the swelling goes away.
d. I will keep my head elevated for 48 hours to minimize swelling and pain.

Question 2

The nurse discusses management of upper respiratory infections (URI) with a patient who has acute sinusitis. Which statement by the patient indicates that additional teaching is needed?

a. I can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) to treat my discomfort.
b. I will drink lots of juices and other fluids to stay well hydrated.
c. I can use my nasal decongestant spray until the congestion is all gone.
d. I will watch for changes in nasal secretions or the sputum that I cough up.

makaylafy · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Maintaining the head in an elevated position will decrease the amount of nasal swelling. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, increase the risk for postoperative bleeding and should not be used postoperatively. The patient would not be taught to remove or reapply nasal packing, which is usually removed by the surgeon on the day after surgery. Although return to a preinjury appearance is the goal of the surgery, it is not always possible to achieve this result, especially in the first few weeks after surgery.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The nurse should clarify that nasal decongestant sprays should be used for no more than 3 days to prevent rebound vasodilation and congestion. The other responses indicate that the teaching has been effective.