Stapedectomy is done in case of :

Appeared in: IGNOU PB. Bsc. Nsg. Entrance-2025

Explanation

Otosclerosis is a condition characterized by abnormal spongy bone formation, particularly around the oval window, which leads to the fixation of the stapes bone.
This fixation prevents the stapes from vibrating and transmitting sound, causing progressive conductive hearing loss.
A stapedectomy is the definitive surgical treatment, where the fixed stapes is removed and replaced with a prosthesis to restore the sound conduction pathway from the incus to the inner ear.

Option B: Otitis media is an infection or inflammation of the middle ear. It does not primarily involve the fixation of the stapes.
Option C: Mastoiditis is an infection of the mastoid bone, often a complication of chronic ear infections.
Option D: Perichondritis is an infection of the cartilage of the outer ear (pinna) and does not affect the middle ear structures like the stapes.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Indications for Otologic Surgery as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A key nursing role post-stapedectomy is patient education on safety and care. This includes instructing the patient to avoid activities that increase inner ear pressure, such as blowing the nose forcefully, sneezing with the mouth closed, heavy lifting, and straining, for several weeks to prevent dislodgement of the prosthesis.
Nurses must monitor for postoperative complications, including vertigo, facial nerve weakness (as the nerve passes through the middle ear), infection, and taste disturbances.
What if? If a patient with otosclerosis also had a significant tympanic membrane perforation, the surgeon might perform a combined procedure (tympanoplasty with stapedectomy) or stage the procedures, addressing the perforation first to ensure a healthy middle ear environment before placing the stapes prosthesis.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question stem, which is 'Stapedectomy'.
Recall the definition of this procedure: 'staped-' refers to the stapes bone, and '-ectomy' means removal. So, it's the surgical removal of the stapes.
Next, analyze the options, which are all pathological conditions of the ear.
Evaluate each option to determine which condition involves a problem with the stapes that would be resolved by its removal and replacement.
Otosclerosis is defined by the fixation of the stapes, making it the logical condition requiring a stapedectomy.
Rule out the other options by recalling their primary locations and treatments (e.g., Otitis media is infection, Mastoiditis is bone infection, Perichondritis is outer ear cartilage infection).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 2 Part 1 pp. 70-72, 68-70

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