CRITICAL THINKING CASE STUDY #36: INNER EYE CONDITIONS AND DISORDERS OF THE

EAR (pp. 1422 -1431)

TOLENTINO, ARIANNA MARI

Instructions:
1. Read pp. 1411 – 1413; PP. 1425 - 1427 for background information.
2. Create a PPT presentation.
3. Date of Presentation: Dec. 6, 2020
4. Research for evidence-based practice related to the management of otitis media (summarize
or synthesize in a 1/2 page only, short bond paper).

References:

1. Primary source: your textbook

2. Use also our eLibrary
3. If you use EBSCO in our eLibrary
ID: gcsda
Password:: sda2020!

Scenario:

Carla, a 6-year old, is brought to your pediatric clinic for evaluation. Her mother states, “She was
born with a hearing loss and a cataract. Today her eye us red and she has pain in her ear. Can
you see her quickly so I can get an antibiotic for her ear infection before the drugstore closes?

Client Assessment: Child has had two previous ear infections in the past 8 months. Child had a
clear, watery nasal discharge and slight cough for two days. Today has thick, purulent nasal
drainage. Temperature this morning was 39°C. Observed tugging vigorously on right ear. On
examination, right tympanic membrane is erythematous and bulging, with poor mobility on
pneumoscopy. Left ear examination unremarkable. Child is diagnosed with otitis media of the
right ear.

Study Guide Questions:

1. Why did Carla develop otitis media? Explain briefly with image. Reinforce with a video clip.
2. Since you observe that Carla keeps on tugging her right ear, what is the appropriate pain scale
that you are going to use for her?
3. The doctor prescribes the following medications for Carla. Describe the mechanism of action for
each medication.
a. Antibiotic therapy
b. Analgesic
c. Antipyretic (Tylenol)
d. Decongestant
e. Antihistamine
4. Carla’s mother asks you on how her child should be positioned when she’s going to sleep. What
will be your recommendation to the mother and what’s the rationale of your answer?
5. Carla complains that she experiences pain when she’s going to chew her food. What are the
appropriate food that she’s encouraged to eat?
6. Carla is diagnosed with otitis media. When interpreting the documentation in Carla’s health
record, the nurse should recognize that this diagnosis differs from otitis externa in what way?
a. Otitis media occurs from swimming; otitis externa typically follows a common cold.
b. Otitis media involves the middle ear; otitis externa involves the outer canal.
c. Otitis media involves the eardrum; otitis externa involves the cochlear nerve.
d. Otitis media does not cause pain; otitis externa produces throbbing pain.
7. Carla has a congenital cataract. Describe this disorder and show an image. Reinforce with a
video clip.