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The nurse is caring for a patient who has undergone a mastoidectomy. In an effort to prevent postoperative infection, what intervention should the nurse implement?

  • A. Teach the patient about the risks of ototoxic medications.
  • B. Instruct the patient to protect the ear from water for several weeks.
  • C. Teach the patient to remove cerumen safely at least once per week.
  • D. Instruct the patient to protect the ear from temperature extremes until healing is complete.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: After a mastoidectomy, the ear should be protected from water for several weeks. This is because exposing the area to water can increase the risk of infection. Keeping the ear dry allows the surgical site to heal properly and reduces the likelihood of postoperative complications such as infection. Therefore, instructing the patient to protect the ear from water is an important intervention to prevent postoperative infection following a mastoidectomy.