A nurse is preparing a 4-year-old child for discharge following a bilateral myringotomy with tympanostomy tube placement. The mother asks what to do if the tubes fall out. Which of the following instructions should the nurse give the parent?

Choice A rationale It is not advisable for a parent to attempt to reinsert the tubes if they fall out. This could potentially cause harm to the child’s ear. Choice B rationale If the tubes fall out, the parent should call the healthcare clinic to report this. The healthcare provider can then decide on the appropriate next steps. Choice C rationale It is not accurate to reassure the mother that the tubes will not fall out. Tympanostomy tubes are designed to fall out on their own after a certain period of time. Choice D rationale Taking the child to an emergency department is not necessary unless there are signs of infection or other complications.