Practical Pointers: Visualize the Ear, Scrotal Masses,Pamper Wounds, Peppermint and GERD

How Best to Visualize the Ear? The Nose Knows

The next time you need to visualize the ear canal during cerumen removal, don’t reach for an otoscope, which can obstruct the canal. Instead, use a nasal speculum to open up the ear canal.

— Susan Robinson, RN, CNP
Avon Lake, Ohio
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How to Pamper Wounds That Require Warm Soaks

When warm soaks are recommended—whether for a sore muscle, an injured tendon, or a hematoma that has developed at a venipuncture site—I advise patients to try the following method: place a washcloth soaked in warm water on the affected area, then cover it with a disposable diaper, using the diaper’s selfstick tabs to secure it. The diaper prevents the washcloth from being rapidly cooled by outside air and keeps the patient’s clothes dry.

— Sheryl Stone Clay, RN, BSN
Mason, Ohio
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An easy, inexpensive way to differentiate between solid and cystic scrotal masses is to shine a flashlight on one side of the mass (ideally, in a darkened room) to see whether it transilluminates. Cystic masses will usually transilluminate, whereas solid masses will not.

— Mohammed M. Basha, MD
Gainesville, Fla
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Because it relaxes the lower gastroesophageal sphincter, peppermint exacerbates gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Counsel patients with GERD to avoid very strong breath mints, as well as other peppermint candies.

— Richard Honaker, MD
Carrollton, Tex