Otitis media
Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.
Eye / EarPediatricsmedium priorityneeds review
Otitis media
Etiology / Pathophysiology
- Middle ear infection or effusion often after URI, common in children.
- Fluid behind tympanic membrane causes pain, fever, and hearing changes.
Medications
| Class | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Antibiotics by class | May be used when bacterial infection is treated. |
Nursing actions
- Assess pain, fever, drainage, and hearing concerns.
- Teach medication completion if prescribed.
- Avoid smoke exposure and promote immunization follow-up.
Complications
- Hearing loss
- Mastoiditis
- Tympanic membrane rupture
NCLEX cues
- Child pulling ear after URI.
- Drainage can mean rupture.
Memory hooks
- Ear pain after URI: think middle ear pressure.
Labs / Diagnostics
- Trend assessment findings and ordered diagnostics; verify exact values with school source material.
Review notes
- Session-derived study seed. Verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy before relying on details.