A patient with an ongoing sinus infection is admitted for ...

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A patient with an ongoing sinus infection is admitted for treatment. In addition to antibiotics, which treatments should the nurse expect to be prescribed for this patient?
 
  Select all that apply.
 
  1. topical steroids
  2. saline nose drops
  3. saltwater gargles
  4. oral decongestants
  5. warm steam inhalation

Question 2

A patient with nasal trauma has clear, watery fluid dripping from the nose. After testing, the nurse learns this fluid contains glucose. What should this finding indicate to the nurse?
 
  1. There is a fracture of the ethmoid or sphenoid sinus.
  2. The patient needs to be suctioned.
  3. Cerebrospinal fluid is present.
  4. The patient has coryza.

[joshbk44]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1, 2, 4, 5
Topical steroids and oral decongestants are prescribed to reduce mucosal edema and promote sinus drainage. Saline nose drops promote sinus drainage, as does inhalation of warm steam. Saltwater gargles will not help in the treatment of a sinus infection.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3
Clear, watery fluid draining from the nose or ear of a patient who has suffered nasal trauma should be tested for the presence of glucose. Cerebrospinal fluid will test positive on a glucose test strip, indicating damage to the dura and increasing the patient's risk of meningitis and ascending infection. Clear nasal drainage is not an indication of a fracture. Patients with nasal fracture should not be suctioned, as this may introduce microorganisms and cause additional tissue trauma. Coryza is the term for clear, watery nasal discharge that often presents with the common cold.

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Correct answers!

[joshbk44]

Great! Please up vote