Author Question: A patient tells the nurse, After I leave here, I need to get to the dentist. My upper teeth are ... (Read 117 times)

Mr.Thesaxman · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A patient tells the nurse, After I leave here, I need to get to the dentist. My upper teeth are hurting and I don't know why. What should the nurse do?

1. end the visit so the patient can get to the dentist
2. assess the patient for a sinus infection
3. reschedule the appointment
4. tell the patient there is nothing wrong with the teeth

Question 2

A patient says, My nose is always congested and it just seems to get worse with the nasal spray I've been using. The nurse realizes that this patient is describing which manifestation?

1. incorrect use of the nasal spray
2. acute sinus infection that needs to be treated with antibiotics
3. adverse effect of the nasal spray
4. rebound nasal congestion

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

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2
Manifestations of sinusitis include pain and tenderness across the infected sinuses, plus headache, fever, and malaise. When the maxillary sinuses are involved, pain and pressure are felt over the cheek. The pain may be referred to the upper teeth. The patient has a medical need and is in a medical setting. It would not be appropriate to end or reschedule the appointment. Until an assessment is performed and a diagnosis is made or ruled out, it would be incorrect to tell the patient that nothing is wrong.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 4
Chronic use of nasal sprays may lead to rhinitis medicamentosa, a rebound phenomenon of drug-induced nasal irritation and inflammation. The nasal spray is being used correctly. The worsening nasal congestion is not considered an adverse effect. No other signs indicate that the patient has a bacterial sinus infection.