Question

Critical Thinking Exercise page 1941

#1 A 45-year-old patient who has been swimming frequently in the local pool has recently been diagnosed with otitis externa.

A) Devise an evidence-based education plan for this patient, with consideration to the diagnosis, possible medical management and treatment options, and home care instructions.

B) Identify evidence- based techniques that the patient should perform to prevent future infections.

Critical thinking exercise #3

#3 You are providing home care for a 55-year-old patient with hypertension, diabetes, and a new diagnosis of vertigo.

A) Identify the priorities, approach, and techniques you would use to provide nursing care to this patient.

B) How would your priorities, approach, and techniques change if the patient was 85 years old and lived alone?

Answer 1

1) A) The otitis externa is mostly seen in people who swims often. It is the infection of the external auditory canal ,occurs when repeated exposure to water.The patient should avoid smoking and  usage of pacifier. The patient can use xylitol chewing gum can reduce ear functions.

The ear infection can be treated in many ways depending on the type,severity,frequency,risk factors. It can be detected through an otoscope which enables to see the eardrum with the help of flashlight. The primary treatment of otitis externa includes management of pain by using analgesics, removal and cleaning of discharge or debris from the external ear canal in a sterile way. Moreover, administrations of tropical medications and antibiotics to contol edema and infections of the ear. We can also treat it symptamatically by using antipyretics, decongestants and antihistamines. We have to observe the patient before administering antibiotics.

B)    The education plan plays a vital role in the prevention of otitis externa. They are as follows:

* The patient should keep the ear canal dry by wearing shower caps.

* He can use cotton balls with petroleum jelly.

* He should not use any ear plugs unless it is designed to use in water.

* He should turn head to both sides when water enters into his ears.

* Never put anything into your ear .

* He should not swim in polluted water.