Q-tip
What is otitis media?
Inflammation/infection of middle ear.
Is otitis media acute or chronic?
It's acute but can become chronic.
What is serous otitis media?
Collection of pathogen-free fluid behind tympanic membrane.
What is purulent otitis media?
Spread of microorganisms from eustation tube to the middle ear.
Do adults normally get otitis media bilaterally or unilaterally?
Normally unilaterally.
What is serous otitis media caused from?
Allergies/enlarged adenoids.
What is purulent otitis media caused from?
Upper respiratory infection.
What causes the tympanic membrane to bulge?
Pressure from the fluid and inflammation.
What does the rupture cause?
A jagged tear in tissue that heals slowly/incompletely.
What does scarring from a rupture interfere with?
It interferes with vibration thus causing diminished hearing.
What is mastoiditis?
Infection of mastoid bone.
What is labyrinthitis?
Inflammation of inner ear/nerves that connect the inner ear to the brain.
What 3 other complications can happen after labyrinthitis?
Meningitis, septicemia and facial nerve damage/paralysis.
What are the signs/symptoms of otitis media?
Fever, tinnitus, malaise, earache, decreased hearing, red/bulging tympanic membrane, nausea, vomiting and dizziness.
What lab result would be increased?
WBCs (neutrophils and eosinophils)
What 2 common things are done for otitis media?
Prescribe antibiotics and fluid aspiration.
What is a myringotomy?
What is a myringoplasty?
Edges of membrane are cauterized, a patch of blood-soaked absorbent gelatin sponge is used to cover defect until it closes.
What is a mastoidectomy?
Removal of diseased tissue.
What 3 things should a nurse do to care for the ear?
Wipe external ear, insert a loose cotton ball and then change when cotton gets moist.
Where is the tympanic membrane located?
At the end of the auditory canal.
Where is the eustachian tube located?
Right behind the tympanic membrane.
Normal hearing range?
0-25 decibels
Decibels for total deafness?
More than 120.
What 2 types of bacteria are involved in otitis media?
Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae.