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: Edema is not a specific finding of a systemic infection, but rather a possible sign of fluid overload or impaired venous return. It can occur due to excessive infusion rate, heart failure, or obstruction of blood flow in or around the central line.

Choice B Reason: This is a correct choice. Purulent drainage at intravenous insertion site is a finding of a local infection that can spread systemically. It indicates bacterial invasion and inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue around the catheter.

Choice C Reason: Redness at insertion site is a finding of a local infection that can spread systemically. It indicates increased blood flow and inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue around the catheter.

Choice D Reason: Nausea is not a specific finding of a systemic infection, but rather a possible side effect of parenteral nutrition or a symptom of another condition. It can occur due to electrolyte imbalance, hyperglycemia, or gastrointestinal disorders.

Choice E Reason: This is a correct choice. Leukocytosis is a finding of a systemic infection that indicates increased production and release of white blood cells in response to infection. It can be detected by a blood test.

Choice F Reason: This is a correct choice. Fever is a finding of a systemic infection that indicates increased body temperature due to activation of the immune system and release of pyrogens. It can be measured by a thermometer.

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because inability to recognize any words may indicate a problem with the auditory cortex, which is the part of the brain that processes sound, not the inner ear. The inner ear consists of the cochlea, which converts sound waves into nerve impulses, and the vestibular system, which helps with balance and orientation.

Choice B Reason: This is correct because loss of balance is a common symptom of an inner ear infection. An inner ear infection can cause inflammation and fluid buildup in the vestibular system, which can disrupt the sense of equilibrium and cause vertigo, dizziness, or nausea.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because twitching of the cheek may indicate a problem with the facial nerve, which controls the muscles of facial expression, not the inner ear. The facial nerve runs close to the inner ear, but it is not part of it.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because lack of air sound may indicate a problem with the outer or middle ear, which transmit sound waves to the inner ear, not the inner ear itself. The outer ear consists of the pinna and the ear canal, and the middle ear consists of the eardrum and the ossicles.