On examination of an 18-month-old child, the nurse found the ...

[theo]

On examination of an 18-month-old child, the nurse found the right eardrum pink and bulging. How should a normal eardrum appear?
 
  a. Pink
  b. Red
  c. Pearly gray
  d. White

Question 2

The nurse manager of a large medical unit in a busy urban teaching hospital reviews the unit trends for staffing, which are determined by an acuity system. The nurse manager notices that the acuity level is high. What should the nurse manager do?
 
  a. More staff may be needed.
  b. Talk to the patients.
  c. Less staff may be needed.
  d. Talk to the families.

[pikon]

Answer to Question 1

C
The normal eardrum is translucent, shiny, and pearly gray. It is free from tears or breaks. A pink or red bulging membrane indicates inflammation. A white color reveals pus behind it. The mem-brane is taut, except for the small triangular pars flaccida near the top. If cerumen is blocking the tympanic membrane, warm water irrigation will safely remove the wax.

Answer to Question 2

A
A high acuity means more staff may be needed. An acuity recording system determines the hours of care for a nursing unit and the number of staff required to care for a given group of patients. A low acuity would mean less staff is needed. Talking to the patients or family is not related to the acuity level.

[theo]

TYSM

[jackie]

Excellent