Page 1948 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

Monitor the client with otitis media closely

for response to treatment. Otic and systemic
antibiotics may be used to treat the infection, but
often the organism is resistant.
2. Preoperative interventions
a. Administer antibiotic drops as
prescribed.
b. Clean the ear of debris as prescribed;
irrigate the ear with a solution of equal
parts vinegar and sterile water as
prescribed to restore the normal pH of
the ear.
c. Instruct the client to avoid persons with
upper respiratory infections, obtain
adequate rest, eat a balanced diet, and
drink adequate fluids.
d. Instruct the client in deep breathing
and coughing; forceful coughing,
which increases pressure in the middle
ear, is to be avoided postoperatively.

3. Postoperative interventions

a. Inform the client that initial hearing
after surgery is diminished because of
the packing in the ear canal; hearing
improvement will occur after the ear
canal packing is removed.
b. Keep the dressing clean and dry.
c. Keep the client flat as prescribed, with
the operative ear up for at least 12
hours.
d. Administer antibiotics as prescribed.
M. Mastoiditis
1. Description
a. Mastoiditis may be acute or chronic and
results from untreated or inadequately
treated chronic or acute otitis media.
b. The pain is not relieved by
myringotomy.

2. Assessment

a. Swelling behind the ear and pain with
minimal movement of the head
b. Cellulitis on the skin or external scalp
over the mastoid process
c. A reddened, dull, thick, immobile
tympanic membrane, with or without

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