Which of the following ear drop is used for the treatment of swimmer's ear?

RRB Nsg Superintendent -29 April 2025 (Shift-1st)

Pharmacology

Easy

Appeared in: RRB Nsg Superintendent -29 April 2025 (Shift-1st)

Explanation

Swimmer's ear, or otitis externa, is an infection of the outer ear canal often caused by excess moisture that alters the ear's natural pH.
Acetic acid is effective because it restores the acidic environment of the ear canal.
This acidic state inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi, which are the common causes of the infection.
It is often formulated as a 2% solution for otic use and may be combined with a steroid like hydrocortisone to reduce inflammation and itching.

Option A: Hydrogen peroxide is primarily a ceruminolytic agent used to soften and remove earwax. It is not a primary treatment for the infection itself.
Option B: Glycerin is an inactive ingredient used as a solvent, emollient, or lubricant in ear drop preparations. It does not have antimicrobial properties.
Option D: Carbamide peroxide is a specific earwax emulsifier. It works by releasing oxygen to foam and break up impacted cerumen.

Visual 1: Diagram - An illustration showing the anatomy of the outer ear canal and highlighting the area of inflammation characteristic of otitis externa.
Visual 2: Infographic - A step-by-step guide demonstrating the correct technique for instilling ear drops in an adult (pulling the pinna up and back) versus a young child (pulling the pinna down and back).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Pharmacological Treatment for Otitis Externa (Swimmer's Ear) helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Patient education is a key nursing role in managing otitis externa, focusing on preventive measures like keeping ears dry and avoiding the use of cotton swabs.
Nurses must assess for contraindications before administering ear drops, such as a perforated tympanic membrane, as some drops can be ototoxic.
What if? - If the patient's ear pain is severe and accompanied by fever and drainage, the infection may have progressed or could be otitis media. In this case, topical treatment alone may be insufficient, and the patient might require systemic antibiotics and referral to a specialist.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'swimmer's ear.' Recall that this is the common name for otitis externa, an infection of the outer ear canal.
Think about the cause of swimmer's ear. It's often due to moisture changing the ear's pH, allowing bacteria or fungi to grow.
Evaluate each option based on its primary pharmacological action.
Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are known for breaking down earwax (ceruminolytics).
Glycerin is a lubricant or solvent, not an active antimicrobial.
Acetic acid is an acidifier. Its function is to lower the pH, which directly counteracts the condition that allows the infection to thrive.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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