Author Question: When performing an otoscopic examination of a 5-year-old child with a history of chronic ear ... (Read 52 times)

Zulu123 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

When performing an otoscopic examination of a 5-year-old child with a history of chronic ear infections, the nurse sees that his right tympanic membrane is amber-yellow in color and that air bubbles are visible behind the tympanic membrane.

The child reports occasional hearing loss and a popping sound with swallowing. The preliminary analysis based on this information is that the child:
a.
Most likely has serous otitis media.
b.
Has an acute purulent otitis media.
c.
Has evidence of a resolving cholesteatoma.
d.
Is experiencing the early stages of perforation.

Question 2

In an individual with otitis externa, which of these signs would the nurse expect to find on assessment?

a. Rhinorrhea
b. Periorbital edema
c. Pain over the maxillary sinuses
d. Enlarged superficial cervical nodes

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

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
An amber-yellow color to the tympanic membrane suggests serum or pus in the middle ear. Air or fluid or bubbles behind the tympanic membrane are often visible. The patient may have feelings of fullness, transient hearing loss, and a popping sound with swallowing. These findings most likely suggest that the child has serous otitis media. The other responses are not correct.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
The lymphatic drainage of the external ear flows to the parotid, mastoid, and superficial cervical nodes. The signs are severe swelling of the canal, inflammation, and tenderness. Rhinorrhea, periorbital edema, and pain over the maxillary sinuses do not occur with otitis externa.