A patient is postoperative day 6 following tympanoplasty and mastoidectomy. The patient has phoned the surgical unit and states that she is experiencing occasional sharp, shooting pains in her affected ear. How should the nurse best interpret this patients complaint?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

For 2 to 3 weeks after surgery, the patient may experience sharp, shooting pains intermittently as the eustachian tube opens and allows air to enter the middle ear. Constant, throbbing pain accompanied by fever may indicate infection and should be reported to the primary care provider. The patients pain does not suggest tympanic perforation or unsuccessful surgery.

A Patient Is Postoperative Day 6 Following Tympanoplasty and Mastoidectomy