Pathophysiology - Mastoiditis

MASTOIDITIS

• is a bacterial infection in the mastoid process, the prominent behind the ear
• generally occurs secondary to otitis media
• a collection of pus (abscess) may form in the bone

Symptoms

• Fever
• Anorexia
• Vertigo
• Headache and ear pain
• Discharge from the ear
• Tenderness over the mastoid

Therapeutic management

• Antibiotics – eardrops or systemic cleaning of the ear
• Surgical intervention – mastoidectomy,  tympanoplasty

Nursing Management

• Obtain specimen of exudates if present for culture and sensitivity
• Instruct client to seek treatment for ear infections
• Administer prescribed antibiotics
• Instruct client on how to administer eardrops
• Observe for facial paralysis and report – may indicate damage to the CN VII
• Instruct client to report headache or stiff neck immediately
• Utilize safety precautions such as side rails to prevent injury to the client who is experiencing vertigo
• Position client on unaffected side post op