The nurse is performing a focused interview with a client who has been cleaning the ears with a cotton-tipped applicator. Which complications of this practice will the nurse include in the teaching session for this client?
Select all that apply.
1. Increasing risk of developing otitis externa.
2. Developing tophi along the outer rim of the ears.
3. Perforating the tympanic membrane.
4. Needing tympanostomy tubes.
5. Impacting cerumen.
Correct Answer: 3, 5
This client is at risk for perforating the tympanic membrane with the cotton-tipped applicator. The inside of the ear should not be cleaned. Cerumen moves to the outside of the ear canal naturally. This client is at risk for impacting the cerumen within the ears with the cotton-tipped applicator. The inside of the ear should not be cleaned. Cerumen moves to the outside of the ear canal naturally. Otitis externa is an infection of the client's outer ear. This client does not have an increased risk of developing otitis externa. Tophi are small white nodules that are found on the helix or antihelix. These nodules are a sign of gout and contain uric acid crystals. Tympanostomy tubes are placed when clients develop repeated otitis media infections. These tubes help relieve middle ear pressure and allow drainage that occurs as a result of the infection. This client does not require tympanostomy tubes.
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