Question

A patient diagnosed with external otitis is being discharged from the emergency department with an ear wick in place. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?

a. "I will apply the eardrops to the cotton wick in the ear canal."
b. "I can use aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain relief."
c. "I will clean the ear canal daily with a cotton-tipped applicator."
d. "I can use warm compresses to the outside of the ear for comfort."

Answer 1

The patient should not clean the ear canal daily with a cotton-tipped applicator.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement that indicates a need for further teaching is option c. The patient should not clean the ear canal daily with a cotton-tipped applicator. This can cause further irritation and injury to the ear canal, making the condition worse.

Eardrops should be applied to the external wick, not directly into the ear canal, as stated in option a. The patient can use aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain relief, as mentioned in option b. And warm compresses to the outside of the ear can provide comfort, as stated in option d.