A nurse is caring for a child who has otitis media. Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse expect?
Tugging on the affected ear lobe
Erythema and edema of the affected ear
Pain when manipulating the affected ear lobe
Clear drainage from the affected ear
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is: A. Tugging on the affected ear lobe.
Choice A reason:
Tugging on the affected ear lobe is a common sign of discomfort in children with otitis media. This behavior indicates that the child is experiencing pain or pressure in the ear, which is a typical symptom of this condition. Children often cannot verbalize their discomfort, so they may tug or pull at their ears to express their pain.
Choice B reason:
Erythema and edema of the affected ear are more indicative of otitis externa (swimmer's ear) rather than otitis media. Otitis media involves inflammation and infection of the middle ear, which is not typically visible externally. The primary signs of otitis media are observed through otoscopic examination, showing a bulging or erythematous tympanic membrane.
Choice C reason:
Pain when manipulating the affected ear lobe is also more characteristic of otitis externa. In otitis media, the pain is usually deeper within the ear and not exacerbated by touching the outer ear. The pain in otitis media is due to the pressure and inflammation in the middle ear space.
Choice D reason:
Clear drainage from the affected ear is not typical of otitis media. If there is drainage, it is usually purulent (pus-like) and indicates a ruptured eardrum due to the infection. Clear drainage is more commonly associated with conditions like otitis externa or a perforated eardrum without infection.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: This prescription does not need clarification, as medicating the client for pain every 4 hours as needed is appropriate for a child who has suspected appendicitis. Appendicitis is a condition that causes inflammation and infection of the appendix, which is a small pouch attached to the large intestine. Appendicitis can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, or loss of appetite. Pain medication can help relieve the discomfort and reduce inflammation.
Choice B: This prescription does not need clarification, as maintaining NPO status is appropriate for a child who has suspected appendicitis. NPO status means nothing by mouth, which means no food or fluids are given to the client. NPO status can prevent further irritation of the appendix and prepare the client for possible surgery.
Choice C: This prescription does not need clarification, as monitoring oral temperature every 4 hours is appropriate for a child who has suspected appendicitis. Oral temperature is a measure of body temperature taken by placing a thermometer under the tongue. Oral temperature can indicate infection or inflammation in the body. Monitoring oral temperature every 4 hours can help detect changes in the client's condition and guide treatment.
Choice D: This prescription needs clarification, as administering an enema is not appropriate for a child who has suspected appendicitis. An enema is a procedure that involves inserting a tube into the rectum and injecting fluid into the colon to stimulate bowel movement. An enema can cause perforation or rupture of the appendix, which can lead to peritonitis, which is inflammation of the peritoneum, which is the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity. An enema can also increase the risk of bleeding or infection.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: A popping sensation when swallowing is not a sign of a tympanic membrane rupture, as it is a normal phenomenon that occurs when the eustachian tube opens and closes to equalize the pressure between the middle ear and the atmosphere. A popping sensation when swallowing may be associated with otitis media with effusion, which is a condition that causes fluid accumulation behind the eardrum, but it does not indicate a rupture.
Choice B: Green-blue discharge could be indicative of infection but is not as directly related to the rupture event as the sudden pain relief is.
Choice C: The correct answer is sudden relief of pain. This is because the rupture of the tympanic membrane releases the pressure and fluid that has built up in the middle ear, leading to an immediate decrease in pain.
Choice D: An increased temperature is not a sign of a tympanic membrane rupture, as it is a nonspecific symptom that may indicate various conditions, such as inflammation, infection, or fever. An increased temperature may be associated with otitis media with effusion, which is a condition that causes fluid accumulation behind the eardrum, but it does not indicate a rupture.
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