otitis externa
defination
an acute or chronic infection of the outer opening of the ear and ear canal
causes
swimming in contaminated water
objects in ear (cotton swabs, hearing aid, ear plugs)
infections: staphylococcus aerus, candida albicans
clinical manifestations
red, swollen ear canal
risk factors
diabetes
eczema
atopic dermatitis
asthma
fever
itchiness
ear canal narrowed through exudates
diagnostic tests
CT scan
MRI of head
radionuclide scan
lab test: gram staining and culture of discharge
medical management
administration of topical medication
absence of cerumen
pathophysiology
Trapped moisture in the external ear canal, cause maceration of the skin and provide a breeding ground for bacteria
physical examination
antibiotics: floxacin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin
acetic acid drops which change the pH of the ear canal
nursing interventions
administer analgesia
encourage the patient to avoid contributing factors
diet
protein rich diet
nursing diagnosis
acute pain related to inflammation
evaluation
absence of pain
normal hearing