Certified Transport Registered Nurse Certification Practice Exam

What is a recommended treatment for barotitis media?

1. Verbal reassurance

2. Vagal maneuvers

3. Surgical intervention

4. Increased fluid intake

The correct answer is: Vagal maneuvers

Barotitis media, commonly referred to as airplane ear, occurs due to changes in pressure that affect the middle ear, often experienced during altitude changes. One effective treatment for barotitis media is the use of vagal maneuvers. These techniques help equalize pressure in the middle ear by facilitating the function of the eustachian tube, which can become obstructed during rapid air pressure changes. The actions involved in vagal maneuvers—such as the Valsalva maneuver, where a person attempts to exhale with the mouth closed and nose pinched—can help restore normal pressure and alleviate symptoms. In contrast to other options, verbal reassurance may help alleviate anxiety for some patients but does not address the underlying pressure issue. Surgical intervention is typically reserved for chronic cases or when there are structural issues that lead to recurrent barotitis and is not a frontline treatment. Increased fluid intake may support mucosal hydration, which can be beneficial for overall health but is not specifically targeted towards alleviating the pressure issues involved in barotitis media. Therefore, vagal maneuvers stand out as a direct and effective way to treat this condition.