Which statement indicates to the nurse that a client needs further postoperative teaching after a myringotomy?

Which statement indicates to the nurse that a client needs further postoperative teaching after a myringotomy?

• A. Hair Can Be Washed After Two Days
• B. Should Refrain From Air Travel for Two to Three Weeks
• C. Need to Change the Ear Dressing Every 24 Hours
• D. Should Stay Away From People with Respiratory Infections

Answer: (A)

After a myringotomy, protecting the ear from moisture and sudden pressure changes is essential for healing and to prevent infection. Washing the hair two days after surgery would bring water into the operated ear too soon, which can introduce bacteria, irritate the surgical site, or loosen any dressing or tubes. That signals a gap in postoperative teaching about keeping the ear dry for an appropriate period. Other common instructions—avoiding air travel for a few weeks to prevent pressure changes, changing the ear dressing as directed, and minimizing contact with people who have respiratory infections to reduce infection risk—fit typical care aimed at protecting the healing ear.

After a myringotomy, protecting the ear from moisture and sudden pressure changes is essential for healing and to prevent infection. Washing the hair two days after surgery would bring water into the operated ear too soon, which can introduce bacteria, irritate the surgical site, or loosen any dressing or tubes. That signals a gap in postoperative teaching about keeping the ear dry for an appropriate period. Other common instructions—avoiding air travel for a few weeks to prevent pressure changes, changing the ear dressing as directed, and minimizing contact with people who have respiratory infections to reduce infection risk—fit typical care aimed at protecting the healing ear.