(7)
Noises in the ear or head.
(8)
Distended tympanic membrane.
(9)
Closed eustachian tube (secondary to swelling).
c. Treatment.
(1)
Local heat.
(2)
Aspirin.
(3)
Decongestants.
(4)
Antibiotics.
(5)
Myringotomy, if indicated.
d. Nursing Implications.
(1) The mucous membrane that lines the middle ear, eustachian tube, and
pharynx is a continuous one. For this reason, infection may spread quickly and easily
from one area to another. Nursing personnel should be alert for signs of spreading
infection.
(2)
Nursing personnel should be alert for signs that the tympanic membrane
may rupture.
(a) Increased pain.
(b) Swollen tympanic membrane (bulging).
e. Myringotomy.
(1)
A myringotomy is a small incision into the bottom of the tympanic
membrane.
(2)
Myringotomy is performed to:
(a)
Relieve pressure.
(c)
Prevent spontaneous rupture of the tympanic membrane.
MD0919
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