Final answer:
Complications from ear irrigation may include otitis media with effusion and its progression to acute otitis media, characterized by microbial growth and pus accumulation in the middle ear, resulting in symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain and infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a medical assistant is performing an ear irrigation on a patient, which is often done to clear out earwax or treat minor ear infections, there can be various consequences or complications. Otitis media with effusion (OME) may occur if there is any blockage of the eustachian tubes, potentially leading to the accumulation of fluid in the middle ear. This fluid build-up offers a conducive environment for microbial growth and may result in secondary bacterial infections, causing symptoms such as itching, discomfort, redness in the ear canal, and eventually progressing to more serious issues like fever, pain, swelling, and in severe cases, acute otitis media (AOM). AOM is characterized by pus formation in the middle ear, often associated with severe bulging of the tympanic membrane and considerable ear pain.