What should an adolescent client with recurrent external otitis be advised to do after swimming?

Instilling a diluted alcohol solution into the ear after swimming can be beneficial for an adolescent client with recurrent external otitis. This practice helps to evaporate any residual water trapped in the ear canal, which is crucial since moisture can promote the growth of bacteria and fungi, potentially leading to an infection. The alcohol acts not only as a drying agent but also has antiseptic properties that may help prevent the onset of external otitis.

While keeping the ears dry is important, it may not always be feasible to achieve complete dryness at all times, especially after activities like swimming. Applying antibiotic ointment in the ear is not recommended unless specifically prescribed by a healthcare professional, as it could alter natural ear flora or cause other issues. Using earplugs while swimming may provide some level of protection, but this does not address moisture that may enter the ear during other activities. Therefore, instilling a diluted alcohol solution stands out as the most effective preventive measure in this scenario.