Question

A mother of a child who underwent a myringotomy with insertion of tympanostomy tubes calls the nurse and reports that the child is complaining of discomfort. The nurse tells the mother to:

a) Apply a warm compress to the ear.
b) Administer over-the-counter pain relievers.
c) Have the child lie on the affected ear.
d) Immediately bring the child to the emergency room

Answer 1

A nurse would recommend over-the-counter pain relievers for a child experiencing discomfort after a myringotomy with tympanostomy tube insertion.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a child who has undergone a myringotomy with insertion of tympanostomy tubes is experiencing discomfort, the nurse advises the mother to administer over-the-counter pain relievers. These pain relievers can help alleviate the ear pain (otalgia) associated with inflammation after the procedure. It is also essential to monitor the child's symptoms and seek medical attention if the pain worsens or is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, which can indicate an infection.