Author Question: A patient with a middle ear infection asks the nurse, What does the middle ear do? The nurse ... (Read 59 times)

abern · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A patient with a middle ear infection asks the nurse, What does the middle ear do? The nurse responds by telling the patient that the middle ear functions to:

a. Maintain balance.
b. Interpret sounds as they enter the ear.
c. Conduct vibrations of sounds to the inner ear.
d. Increase amplitude of sound for the inner ear to function.

Question 2

The nurse is reviewing the structures of the ear. Which of these statements concerning the eustachian tube is true?

a. The eustachian tube is responsible for the production of cerumen.
b. It remains open except when swallowing or yawning.
c. The eustachian tube allows passage of air between the middle and outer ear.
d. It helps equalize air pressure on both sides of the tympanic membrane.

trampas · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Among its other functions, the middle ear conducts sound vibrations from the outer ear to the central hearing apparatus in the inner ear. The other responses are not functions of the middle ear.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
The eustachian tube allows an equalization of air pressure on each side of the tympanic membrane so that the membrane does not rupture during, for example, altitude changes in an airplane. The tube is normally closed, but it opens with swallowing or yawning.