Educating Nursing Staff in a Long-Term Care Facility on Cerumen Impactions and Cerumenolytic Administration

Abstract

The current article examines the importance of educating nursing staff in a long-term care facility (LTCF) on cerumen impactions and the proper administration of cerumenolytics. An educational session on cerumen impactions and cerumenolytic administration was provided to nursing staff with pre-, post-, and follow-up tests. Findings included an increase in confidence levels of the nursing learning objectives post-education, as well as an overall improvement in knowledge retention. According to the nurses surveyed, they had never been educated on either topic. It is estimated that up to 65% of residents aged >65 years living in LTCFs are affected by cerumen impactions and the many symptoms associated with them, including hearing loss. Therefore, education on these topics for nursing staff who care for this high-risk population would be beneficial. [ Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 47 (4), 35–43.]