Question

A client has sought treatment in the ambulatory care clinic after an insect has become trapped in the external ear canal. The nurse prepares to assist the health care provider to instill which acceptable solutions into the ear to remove the insect?

Option 1: Warm water.
Option 2: Olive oil.
Option 3: Hydrogen peroxide.
Option 4: Acetic acid.

Answer 1

Appropriate solutions to remove an insect from the ear include olive oil and acetic acid, both of which can be effective while considering the possibility of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question concerns the appropriate solutions to instill into the ear canal for removing an insect. Among the options provided, olive oil and acetic acid are acceptable choices. Olive oil can be used to immobilize and suffocate the insect, making it easier to remove. Acetic acid, on the other hand, is used in the treatment of otitis externa, which is an infection of the outer ear canal also known as swimmer's ear, and can be effective if bacterial infection is a concern. While warm water might be used in some cases for irrigation, and hydrogen peroxide might be used for earwax removal, they are not the best choices for insect removal. Moreover, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is a common cause of otitis externa, can be resistant to many antibiotics, but treatments usually involve ear drops containing acetic acid along with anti bacterial or antifungals.