ears2

Question 1

otitis externa is aka

Answer 1

swimmer’s ear

Question 2

definition of otitis externa

Answer 2

inflammation of external auditory canal

Question 3

infectious agents for otitis externa

Answer 3

 Pseudomonas aeruginosa
 Staphylococcus aureus or streptococcus
 Proteus mirabilis

Question 4

with otitis externa inflammation develops from

Answer 4

 Frequent exposure to water
 Mechanical trauma from bobby pins, cotton applicators, ear plugs, hearing aids
 Eczema, skin disorders

Question 5

when is otitis externa- what season

Answer 5

summer

Question 6

who is more common to get otitis externa

Answer 6

swimmers

Question 7

otitis externa history

Answer 7

 Otalgia – gradual or acute onset aka earache
 Pruritus
 Purulent discharge
 Occasional hearing loss – “plugged ear”

Question 8

otitis externa PE

Answer 8

 Erythema and edema of ear canal
 Pain on manipulation of auricle or pressure on tragus
 Purulent or cheesy exudate may be present
 Preauricular adenopathy
 Edema may impair visualization of TM – usually not affected

Question 9

dx test for otitis externa

Answer 9

none

Question 10

when do you do cx for otitis externa

Answer 10

if no response to tx or recurrence

Question 11

otitis externa diff dx

Answer 11

1. Furuncle
2. Otitis media
3. Mastoiditis
4. Foreign body
5. TMJ disease
6. TM rupture

Question 12

otitis externa management/tx

Answer 12

 Cortisporin otic solution 4-5 gtts in ear tid or qid x 7days
 Ofloxacin 0.3% solution 5-10 gtts bid 7-10 days if unable to determine if TM is intact
 Acetic acid otic drop
 Saturated cotton wick with medication facilitates entry of medication in ear canal
 Systemic antibiotic for severe cases
 Analgesics

Question 13

otitis externa pt edu

Answer 13

protect ear from moisture
eliminate trauma to ear canal
instruction on proper technique to clear ears

Question 14

otitis externa- how to prevent recurrence

Answer 14

25 acetic acid 2-3 gtts in ear canals bid after contact with water
 OTC available