An assessment of a 23-year-old patient reveals the following: an ...

[michelleunicorn]

An assessment of a 23-year-old patient reveals the following: an auricle that is tender and reddish-blue in color with small vesicles. The nurse would need to know additional information that includes which of these?
 
  a. Any change in the ability to hear
  b. Any recent drainage from the ear
  c. Recent history of trauma to the ear
  d. Any prolonged exposure to extreme cold

Question 2

The nurse is performing an ear examination of an 80-year-old patient. Which of these findings would be considered normal?
 
  a. High-tone frequency loss
  b. Increased elasticity of the pinna
  c. Thin, translucent membrane
  d. Shiny, pink tympanic membrane

[KKcool]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Frostbite causes reddish-blue discoloration and swelling of the auricle after exposure to extreme cold. Vesicles or bullae may develop, and the person feels pain and tenderness.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
A high-tone frequency hearing loss is apparent for those affected with presbycusis, the hearing loss that occurs with aging. The pinna loses elasticity, causing earlobes to be pendulous. The eardrum may be whiter in color and more opaque and duller in the older person than in the younger adult.