N107 Nursing Interventions II AY 23-24

Hello! Recalling the pathophysiology of external otitis, the gushing of water inside the ear may rinse out cerumen or may cause water to remain in the ear canal. Moist environments are a perfect place for microorganisms to multiply, thereby causing an infection. Professional swimmers are exposed to moist environments frequently, which is why they are at risk for developing external otitis. As their nurse, explaining to them in simple terms the pathophysiology of external otitis is important; that water retention in the ear canal and the aggressive rinsing out of cerumen promotes microbial growth and will cause infection. Therefore, the nurse can teach them basic protective measures, such as drying the ears after swimming and making sure that the towel they use is clean. Another protective measure is to wear a swimming cap if it is possible to prevent water from gushing into the ear. Most importantly, the nurse must emphasize to the swimmer to avoid swimming in pools that are possibly dirty or contaminated.


REFERENCES
Cleveland Clinic. (2020, February 15). Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa). Retrieved February 3, 2024, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8381-swimmers-ear-otitis-externa

Medina-Blasini, Y. (2023, July 31). Otitis externa. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556055/

Otitis externa - causes - clinical features - management. TeachMeSurgery. (2023, November 19). https://teachmesurgery.com/ent/ear/otitis-externa/

Otitis externa. NHS inform. (2023a, February). https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/otitis-externa/#preventing-otitis-externa