- inflammation or infection in the middle ear
- clients may have acute or chronic forms of either serous otitis, or the purulent or suppurative type
Causes
- Serous otitis media
- a collection of pathogen-free fluid behind the tympanic membrane
- results from irritation associated with respiratory allergies and enlarged adenoids
- Purulent otitis media
- results from the spread of microorganisms from the Eustachian tube to the middle ear during respiratory infections
Potential complications
- Mastoiditis
- Labyrinthinitis
- Brain abscess
Clinical findings
- History of upper respiratory tract infection or seasonal allergies
- Tinnitus
- Fever
- Sever earache
- Diminished hearing
- Bulging or perforation of the eardrum
Therapeutic management
- Antibiotics
- Symptomatic relief with analgesics, antihistamines, decongestants
- Myringotomy – incisional opening of the eardrum to drain the purulent material
- Myringoplasty – repair of the perforated eardrum
Nursing Management
- Obtain a specimen of exudates for culture and sensitivity
- Administer antibiotics and other medications as prescribed
- Instruct clients how to administer eardrops
- Monitor temperature, drainage, pain and hearing acuity to evaluate effectiveness of therapy
- Instruct client to report headache or stiff neck immediately
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