Which instruction should the nurse include in teaching a patient with recurrent external otitis?

Which instruction should the nurse include in teaching a patient with recurrent external otitis?

• A. Apply an antibiotic ear drop after swimming.
• B. Use saline spray around the ear after swimming.
• C. Instill diluted alcohol drops into the ear after swimming.
• D. Wear waterproof ear plugs after swimming.

Answer: (C)

Moisture in the external ear canal after swimming promotes irritation and infection, so the best prevention is drying the canal promptly. Diluted alcohol drops are used after swimming because the alcohol evaporates quickly, helping to dry the canal and reduce moisture that can harbor organisms. This simple preventive measure directly lowers the risk of recurrent otitis externa by keeping the ear canal drier between episodes. Use should be guided by a clinician, and avoid alcohol drops if there’s a known perforation of the eardrum or ongoing ear drainage. Other options don’t address moisture removal as effectively or are not appropriate for prophylaxis.

Moisture in the external ear canal after swimming promotes irritation and infection, so the best prevention is drying the canal promptly. Diluted alcohol drops are used after swimming because the alcohol evaporates quickly, helping to dry the canal and reduce moisture that can harbor organisms. This simple preventive measure directly lowers the risk of recurrent otitis externa by keeping the ear canal drier between episodes. Use should be guided by a clinician, and avoid alcohol drops if there’s a known perforation of the eardrum or ongoing ear drainage. Other options don’t address moisture removal as effectively or are not appropriate for prophylaxis.