Final answer:
The recommended action for a nurse dealing with a patient who has severe pain from external otitis is to apply warm, dry heat to the patient's ear to alleviate discomfort. Other options like using a cool compress, repositioning the patient, or obtaining pain medication might be considered but are more context-dependent and could have potential downsides.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the case of a patient who rates their pain as 8 on a scale of 0 to 10 due to external otitis, a nurse's action to address the patient's comfort could include applying warm, dry heat to the ear (option A). This method can help reduce pain by improving blood circulation and soothing the inflamed area. Option B, applying a cool compress, may help with swelling but might not be as effective for pain relief. Positioning the patient supine with the affected ear down (option C) can help with drainage if there is any exudate, but would not directly address pain and may increase discomfort. Option D, obtaining an order for an opioid pain medication, is a potential action but might be pursued only after other pain management approaches have been tried or if the pain is very severe, as opioids come with a risk of side effects and addiction.
Acute Otitis Media (AOM) involves the accumulation of pus in the middle ear. Common symptoms include ear pain (otalgia), fever, nausea, and tugging or rubbing of the ear, especially in infants and toddlers. AOM is a common reason for antibiotic prescriptions among young children.