Nursing Management of Child with Otitis Media

Subject: Child Health Nursing

Overview

It is an inflammation of the middle ear caused by different types of bacteria and viruses depending on the patient's age. A virus is the most prevalent cause of otitis media, but it is not as severe and self-limiting. Acute suppurative otitis media (ASOM) is distinguished by abrupt acute discomfort in the ear, a sensation of fullness in the ear, tinnitus, bubbling sounds in the ear, and hearing loss that is less severe than in chronic otitis media. Hearing loss, tinnitus, and other clinical symptoms of Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) Nursing management starts with nursing assessment: pain and suffering caused by inflammation and infections, hearing loss, ear discharge, and so on. Evaluation of indications and symptoms of problems such as mastoid bone soreness, vertigo, and headache. If surgery is scheduled, pre-operative and post-operative nursing care should be provided.

Following things should be considered carefully for nursing management of child with otitis media:

  • Nursing assessment: pain and suffering caused by inflammation and infections, hearing loss, ear discharge, and so on.
  • Avoid disturbing the child by placing him or her in a comfortable position.
  • Administer pain relievers and antibiotics as directed.
  • To absorb the ear discharge, provide cotton and gauze pieces.
  • Using a sterile approach, carefully clean and wipe the ear.
  • Dressing and packing the wound on a daily basis, if indicated.
  • Monitor vital signs, especially temperature, and keep accurate records.
  • Evaluation of indications and symptoms of problems such as mastoid bone soreness, vertigo, and headache.
  • Evaluate hearing activity acuity on a daily basis, document recent changes, and notify doctors.
  • Assist the patient in moving around.
  • Include the parents in the childcare process.
  • Maintain the child's general hygiene.
  • Provide recreational and diversional therapy to your child, such as play material.

Pre-operative Care if Surgery is Planned

  • Physical preparation has no effect on oral preparation.
  • Medication given prior to surgery.
  • Parents' signed consent was obtained.
  • Send or pick up the pre-operative investigation report.
  • If necessary, intravenous fluid administration.
  • Surgery preparation on a psychological level.

Post-operative Care

  • Evaluate general health and vital indicators.
  • Assess wound soakage/bleeding, wound dressing under aseptic method, and pressure in the wound site.
  • Medication Nutrition: Drink water, liquids, and eat a soft diet
  • Avoid making too much noise and keep an eye out for indicators of post-operative complications.

Preparation for discharge teaching

Medication at home, nutrition, wound care, hygiene, avoid air travel for 3 months after surgery, avoid hard food immediately after surgery, avoid pricking of ear within and sharp needle, avoid putting oil and water in ear, use ear plug, follow-up care, sign and symptoms of complications such as vomiting, fever, headache, and avoid exposure in a loud noised area should be prioritized.

 

 

 
Things to remember
  • It is an inflammation of the middle ear caused by different types of bacteria and viruses depending on the patient's age.
    A virus is the most prevalent cause of otitis media, but it is not as severe and self-limiting.
    Acute suppurative otitis media (ASOM) is distinguished by abrupt acute discomfort in the ear, a sensation of fullness in the ear, tinnitus, bubbling sounds in the ear, and hearing loss that is less severe than in chronic otitis media.
    Hearing loss, tinnitus, and other clinical symptoms of Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM)
    Nursing management starts with nursing assessment: pain and suffering caused by inflammation and infections, hearing loss, ear discharge, and so on.
  • Evaluation of indications and symptoms of problems such as mastoid bone soreness, vertigo, and headache.
    If surgery is planned, pre-operative and post-operative nursing care should be provided.
Questions and Answers

Nursing Management of Child with Otitis Media:

  • Nursing evaluation: Ear discharge, hearing impairment, pain and discomfort associated with inflammation and infections, etc.
  • Keep the youngster quiet and in a comfortable position.
  • giving out antibiotics and painkillers as directed.
  • To absorb the ear discharge, offer cotton and a piece of gauze.
  • Using sterile technique, gently clean and mop the ear.
  • Daily dressing and, if necessary, packing of the wound.
  • Keep an eye on your vital signs, especially your temperature, and take accurate notes.
  • Evaluation of the symptoms and indicators of problems, such as headache, vertigo, and mastoid bone discomfort.
  • Every day, check your hearing acuity, note any recent changes, and let your doctors know.
  • Assist the patient in moving around.
  • Get the parents involved in child care.
  • Keep the child's general hygiene up to par.
  • Provide your child with playthings as a form of recreational and diversionary therapy.

Pre- operative care if surgery is planned:

  • No physical preparation is kept for oral use.
  • Medicine taken before surgery.
  • Obtained parental approval in writing.
  • Send or collect the report of the pre-operative investigation.
  • If necessary, intravenous fluid administration.
  • Surgical preparation on a psychological level.

Post- operative care:

  • Evaluate overall health and keep an eye on vital signs.
  • Determine soakage or bleeding from the wound site, aseptic wound dressing, and pressure at the wound site.
  • Medication.
  • Sips of liquids and soft food make up your diet.
  • Avoid loud noises and monitor for complications after surgery.

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