The nurse knows that a patient may develop sensorineural hearing ...

[Garrulous]

The nurse knows that a patient may develop sensorineural hearing loss as a result of ototoxic drugs. Which patient would be at the highest risk for this type of hearing deficit?
 
  1. a patient with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on high doses of vancomycin (Vancocin))
  2. the patient on low-dose aspirin to prevent stroke
  3. a patient on steroids (Prednisone) for chronic spondylolisthesis
  4. the patient using atorvastatin (Lipitor) to prevent heart disease and stroke

Question 2

The nurse is preparing to provide eardrops for a patient. Place the following steps in the correct order when administering this medication.
 
  Choice 1. Warm the medication by placing it in the hand or pocket for a few minutes.
  Choice 2. Tilt the patient's head toward the unaffected side.
  Choice 3. Straighten the ear canal by pulling the pinna up and back, using the nondominant hand.
  Choice 4. Insert the prescribed number of drops into the ear canal.
  Choice 5. Have the patient remain in position for approximately 5 minutes.
  Choice 6. Loosely place a cotton ball at the auditory meatus for 15 to 20 minutes.

[vickybb89]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
Ototoxic drugs damage the hair cells of the organ of Corti resulting in sensorineural hearing loss. Ototoxic drugs include vancomycin (Vancocin). A patient taking low-dose aspirin is at a lesser risk than a patient taking high doses of vancomycin. Steroids and atorvastatin are not ototoxic.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
The correct procedure for instilling eardrops begins with hand hygiene and warming the medication. Hold the container or place it in the pocket for a few minutes. Have the patient tilt the head toward the unaffected side. Using the nondominant hand, straighten the ear canal by pulling the pinna up and back. Instill the correct number of drops into the ear canal and have the patient remain in position for approximately 5 minutes. Place a cotton ball loosely in the auditory meatus for 15 to 20 minutes.