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4. Follow-up:

• Schedule a follow-up visit within 24-48 hours to assess response to treatment and rule out any complications, especially if the patient has immunocompromise or severe symptoms (AAO, 2021).

References:

• American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO). (2021). Clinical practice guideline: Acute otitis externa. https://www.entnet.org/resource/aao-hnsf-updated-cpg-acute-otitis-externa-press-release-fact-sheet/
• Baugh, R. F., Swarts, J. D., & Westlake, M. K. (2020). Diagnosing and managing acute otitis externa. American Family Physician, 101(1), 32-39.

Additional Notes:

• Oral antibiotics are usually not necessary for uncomplicated external otitis (AAO, 2021).
• If the ear canal is too swollen for ear drops, alternative options like systemic antibiotics or wick placement with medication might be considered by a healthcare professional.
• This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.

I hope this information is helpful! Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Sample Solution

Plan of Care for External Otitis:

1. Topical Medications:

• Ear drops: Otic acetic acid (2-5%) solution is the first-line treatment for uncomplicated external otitis (AAO, 2021). It helps to acidify the ear canal environment, creating an unfavorable condition for bacterial growth and promoting debris removal (Baugh et al., 2020). Other options include otic ciprofloxacin or ofloxacin drops (AAO, 2021).
• Topical corticosteroids: If inflammation is significant, adding a topical corticosteroid like hydrocortisone 1% solution can reduce swelling and pain (AAO, 2021). However, avoid using steroids if there is a suspected tympanic membrane perforation (Baugh et al., 2020).

2. Analgesics:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and inflammation (AAO, 2021).

3. Cleaning and Irrigation:

• Gently remove debris from the outer ear canal with a soft cloth or cotton swab dipped in warm water. Avoid inserting cotton swabs deep into the canal, as this can push debris further in and damage the tympanic membrane (AAO, 2021).
• If significant debris is present, healthcare professionals may use irrigation with warm saline or a bulb syringe to gently flush the canal (AAO, 2021).