NURSING CARE RELATED TO THE SENSORY AND
NEUROLOGICAL SYSTEMS
1-26
1-26. FOREIGN BODY
a. Foreign bodies in the ear are most commonly seen in children, as children will frequently stick small objects into their ears. Other types of foreign bodies include:
(1) Insects (crawl or fly into the ear).
(2) Airborne matter (maybe blown into the ear).
NOTE: NEVER attempt to remove a foreign body from the ear unless you are skilled
at the techniques used. The external ear canal could be damaged or the
tympanic membrane ruptured. This procedure is normally performed by the
physician.
b. Assist the physician to remove insects.
(1) Instill mineral oil drops to smother the insect.
(2) Turn the patient's head toward the affected side to facilitate the drainage of the oil with the insect.
(3) Use a blunt loop or forceps to remove the insect if it does not drain out.
c. Assist the physician to remove foreign bodies of non-vegetable matter:
(1) Irrigate the ear.
(2) Remove the object with a blunt instrument such as a curet or loop.
d. Assist the physician to remove foreign bodies of vegetable matter (peas, for example):
(1) Use a blunt instrument to remove the object.
(2) DO NOT irrigate the ear, as vegetable matter has a tendency to absorb water and swell. This will cause the object to become further impacted and more difficult to remove.
