Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) Practice Exam

To reduce vertigo and nausea post tympanoplasty, the patient should be placed in which position?

1. Semi fowlers @ 45 degrees

2. Lateral on the operated side

3. Position of comfort

4. Lateral on the unoperated side

The correct answer is: Lateral on the unoperated side

Placing the patient in the lateral position on the unoperated side is effective for reducing vertigo and nausea after a tympanoplasty. This positioning minimizes pressure and facilitates comfort by preventing the operative side from being under stress or strain. It also helps promote drainage and equalizes pressure between the middle ear and the external environment, which can help alleviate the sensation of vertigo commonly experienced after this type of surgery. This position allows for better circulation and reduces the risk of complications that could arise from inappropriate positioning post-operatively, such as increased intraoperative swelling or discomfort. The choice of positioning plays an essential role in recovery, particularly when balancing comfort and the physiological effects of surgery on the inner ear and surrounding structures. Other options like semi-Fowler's or lateral on the operated side may not support effective management of vertigo and may lead to increased discomfort or potential complications. The position of comfort, although broadly acceptable, lacks a specific corrective angle that can aid in recovery from the surgical procedure. Thus, lateral on the unoperated side is the most appropriate choice for minimizing vertigo and nausea after tympanoplasty.