1. A client presents with a sore throat and difficulty swallowing. The nurse assesses the client’s throat and notes swollen tonsils. What is the most appropriate nursing action?
A. Encourage the client to rest and drink warm fluids.
B. Administer antibiotics as prescribed.
C. Notify the health...
NCLEX-Style Questions on Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT)
1. A client presents with a sore throat and difficulty swallowing. The nurse assesses the
client’s throat and notes swollen tonsils. What is the most appropriate nursing action?
A. Encourage the client to rest and drink warm fluids.
B. Administer antibiotics as prescribed.
C. Notify the healthcare provider.
D. Schedule a tonsillectomy.
Answer: A. Encourage the client to rest and drink warm fluids.
Rationale: Warm fluids can soothe the throat and help with hydration, while rest can aid in
recovery. Antibiotics may be necessary if a bacterial infection is suspected, but supportive care is
the immediate priority.
2. The nurse is teaching a client about ear drops for otitis media. What should the nurse
include in the teaching?
A. Tilt your head to the side for 5 minutes after administration.
B. Ensure the drops are at room temperature before instilling.
C. Avoid using the drops if the ear is draining.
D. Instill the drops while lying flat on your back.
Answer: B. Ensure the drops are at room temperature before instilling.
Rationale: Cold ear drops can cause dizziness and discomfort. It's important to instill ear drops
at room temperature to minimize adverse effects.
3. A patient is diagnosed with allergic rhinitis. Which medication would the nurse
anticipate being prescribed?
A. Antihistamines
B. Antibiotics
C. Corticosteroids
D. Decongestants
Answer: A. Antihistamines
Rationale: Antihistamines are effective in relieving symptoms of allergic rhinitis by blocking
the action of histamine, which is responsible for allergy symptoms.
,4. The nurse is caring for a client with a hearing impairment. Which communication
technique is most appropriate?
A. Speak loudly and slowly.
B. Use written communication.
C. Speak in a high-pitched voice.
D. Face the client while speaking.
Answer: D. Face the client while speaking.
Rationale: Speaking face-to-face helps the client read lips and understand non-verbal cues. It is
not effective to speak loudly or in a high-pitched voice.
5. Which finding in a client with chronic sinusitis should the nurse report immediately?
A. Nasal congestion
B. Facial pain and swelling
C. Postnasal drip
D. Mild fever
Answer: B. Facial pain and swelling
Rationale: Facial pain and swelling can indicate a more serious complication, such as an
infection spreading beyond the sinuses, requiring immediate medical evaluation.
6. A nurse is assessing a child with suspected otitis media. Which finding is most
characteristic of this condition?
A. Clear nasal discharge
B. Complaints of ear pain
C. Fever over 102°F (39°C)
D. Coughing
Answer: B. Complaints of ear pain
Rationale: Ear pain is a hallmark symptom of otitis media in children, while fever and nasal
discharge may be present in other conditions.
7. The nurse is providing care for a client after a tonsillectomy. Which symptom should the
nurse monitor for as a potential complication?
A. Nausea
B. Persistent cough
, C. Bleeding
D. Fever
Answer: C. Bleeding
Rationale: Post-tonsillectomy bleeding is a serious complication that requires immediate
attention. The nurse should monitor for bright red blood or excessive swallowing.
8. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching
regarding the use of nasal corticosteroids?
A. "I should use these daily for the best results."
B. "I will stop using the spray if I feel better."
C. "I need to shake the bottle before using it."
D. "I should aim the spray toward the middle of my nose."
Answer: B. "I will stop using the spray if I feel better."
Rationale: Clients should continue using nasal corticosteroids as prescribed, even if symptoms
improve, to maintain control of inflammation.
9. A client presents to the emergency department with a foreign body lodged in the ear.
What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Attempt to remove the object using tweezers.
B. Administer analgesics for pain relief.
C. Notify the healthcare provider.
D. Inspect the ear canal with an otoscope.
Answer: C. Notify the healthcare provider.
Rationale: The healthcare provider should assess the situation and determine the safest method
for removal of the foreign body. Attempting removal can cause further injury.
10. A patient undergoing laryngectomy should be taught which of the following?
A. “You will be able to speak normally after the procedure.”
B. “You will need to use a speaking valve to communicate.”
C. “You can still breathe through your nose.”
D. “You will need to keep your tracheostomy site covered at all times.”
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