A client presents to the clinic with complaints of otalgia and muffled sounds. The client is diagnosed with external otitis. Which of the following will the nurse not include in client teaching?

Choice A Reason: The burned area is yellow in color with severe edema is not a finding of a deep partial-thickness burn, but a superficial partial-thickness burn. A superficial partial-thickness burn involves the epidermis and the upper layer of the dermis, causing pain, redness, swelling, and blistering.

Choice B Reason: The burned area is black in color and pain is absent is not a finding of a deep partial-thickness burn, but a full-thickness burn. A full-thickness burn involves the epidermis, dermis, and underlying tissues, causing necrosis, charred skin, and loss of sensation.

Choice C Reason:This description aligns with a superficial partial-thickness (first-degree or mild second-degree) burn rather than a deep partial-thickness burn. Superficial partial-thickness burns involve the epidermis and the upper portion of the dermis. These burns appear pink or red, often accompanied by moisture and blister formation due to fluid leakage from damaged capillaries. They are painful because nerve endings remain intact. Healing occurs within 10 to 21 days without significant scarring.

Choice D Reason:Deep partial-thickness burns extend deeper into the dermis, damaging a larger portion of skin structures, including sweat glands and hair follicles. These burns typically appear red or white and may have a soft eschar (dead tissue), which differentiates them from more superficial burns that do not develop eschar. Unlike full-thickness burns, nerve endings remain partially intact, so the patient may still experience some pain. These burns take more than 21 days to heal and often require skin grafting to prevent complications such as contractures or hypertrophic scarring.

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because phototherapy is not a recommended therapy for contact dermatitis. Phototherapy involves exposing the skin to artificial light sources that emit specific wavelengths of light that can have anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory effects. Phototherapy can be used for some skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema, but not for contact dermatitis.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because antibiotics are not a recommended therapy for contact dermatitis. Antibiotics are drugs that kill or inhibit bacteria that cause infections. Contact dermatitis is not an infection, but an allergic or irritant reaction to a substance that comes in contact with the skin. Antibiotics have no effect on contact dermatitis and may cause adverse effects or resistance.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because UV light is not a recommended therapy for contact dermatitis. UV light refers to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight or artificial sources that can damage DNA and cause skin cancer or aging. UV light can also worsen contact dermatitis by increasing inflammation and sensitivity to allergens or irritants.

Choice D Reason: This is correct because avoidance is the best therapy for contact dermatitis. Avoidance means identifying and avoiding the substance that causes the skin reaction. This can prevent further exposure and allow the skin to heal. The nurse can help the client by providing education on how to read labels, use protective clothing or gloves, or substitute safer products.