Gently flush with warm saline solution. A dilute solution of sodium bicarbonate (4–8% approx) placed into the ear 5 minutes prior will loosen the wax considerably and allow easier removal. ❍ When testing the six cardinal fields of gaze, which cranial nerves are being assessed? 3, 4, and 6. ❍ What is the primary reason for treating streptococcal pharyngitis with antibiotics? To protect the heart valves and prevent rheumatic fever. ❍ What is trismus? Painful spasms of the muscles of mastication. ❍ What is the treatment for a corneal injury from a caustic substance?

Decreased or absent breath sounds on the affected side with a collapsed lung. ❍ To prevent increased intercranial pressure in a patient with a head injury, what position should the head of the bed be in? Avoid neck flexion, and position the patient with the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees. ❍ After giving the drug mannitol (Osmitrol) to a patient with a head injury, what would be his/her expected urine output? It should increase dramatically. ❍ In a trauma victim, what initial assessment should receive the highest priority?

A medsurg nurse should consider what serious problems in any patient who suddenly complaints of back pain? Abdominal aortic aneurysm, cauda equina syndrome (compression of lower spinal nerves), tumor or acute bleed into the spinal column or peritoneum, bowel infarction, kidney stone or infection, and others. ❍ What is osteoarthritis? A noninflammatory joint disease causing degenerative changes in the articular cartilage, affecting weight-bearing joints including the hips, knees, and vertebrae, as well as possibly any other joint.