After a myringotomy, how often should the ear dressing be changed?

After a myringotomy, how often should the ear dressing be changed?

• A. Every 12 Hours
• B. Every 24 Hours
• C. Every 48 Hours
• D. Never Change

Answer: (B)

After a myringotomy, the dressing protects the incision and helps keep the area clean as it heals. Changing the ear dressing about once daily provides a clean, dry site and gives a regular opportunity to check for any drainage or bleeding without repeatedly disturbing the wound. If drainage appears or the dressing becomes wet or soiled, change it promptly. More frequent changes can be unnecessarily disruptive, while waiting longer risks moisture or infection. Never changing the dressing would leave the site exposed to moisture and microbes.

After a myringotomy, the dressing protects the incision and helps keep the area clean as it heals. Changing the ear dressing about once daily provides a clean, dry site and gives a regular opportunity to check for any drainage or bleeding without repeatedly disturbing the wound. If drainage appears or the dressing becomes wet or soiled, change it promptly. More frequent changes can be unnecessarily disruptive, while waiting longer risks moisture or infection. Never changing the dressing would leave the site exposed to moisture and microbes.