Otitis Media

Otitis media is an infection in the middle ear as a result of a blocked Eustachian tube which prevent normal drainage. It is more prone to infants and children because their Eustachian tubes are shorter, wider and straighter. Otitis media also is common complication from an acute respiratory infections.

Signs and Symptoms of Otitis Media:

• Fever
• Irritability and restlessness
• Loss of appetite
• Rolling of head from side to side
• Earache or pain
• Puling on or rubbing the ear
• Signs of hearing loss
• Red, opaque, bulging, or retracting tympanic membrane
• Purulent ear drainage

Nursing Interventions:

1. Encourage fluid intake
2. Teach parent to feed infants in upright position
3. Teach parent about administering ear medication. In a child younger than age 3, pull the pinna down and back, while in a child older than 3 years, pull the pinna up and back
4. Instruct child not to chew during acute episode since it increases pain
5. Provide local heat and have the child lie with the affected ear down
6. Instruct and teach the parent how to clean drainage from the ear with sterile cotton swabs
7. Instruct the parents that screening for hearing loss may be necessary

Myringotomy:
Myringotomy is in insertion of tympanoplasty tubes into the middle ear to equalize pressure and keep the ear aerated.

Post-operative Nursing Intervention for Child with Myringotomy:

• Keep the ear dry
• Instruct patient to wear earplugs when bathing, shampooing, and swimming
• Avoid diving and submerging under water