A nurse is caring for a child who has otitis media with effusion. The nurse should identify which of the following manifestations indicates a tympanic membrane rupture.
Popping sensation when swallowing
Green-blue discharge in the ear canal
Sudden pain relief
Increased temperature
The Correct Answer is C
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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can be used to relieve pain and inflammation in children with influenza. Ibuprofen does not increase the risk of Reye syndrome, which is a rare but serious condition that affects the brain and liver.
Choice B: Grapefruit juice is a citrus fruit that can provide vitamin C and hydration for children with influenza. Grapefruit juice does not increase the risk of Reye syndrome, but it can interact with some medications and affect their absorption or metabolism.
Choice C: A humidifier is a device that adds moisture to the air and can help ease congestion and coughing in children with influenza. A humidifier does not increase the risk of Reye syndrome, but it should be cleaned regularly to prevent bacterial growth and infection.
Choice D: Aspirin is a salicylate that can be used to reduce fever and inflammation in children with influenza. However, aspirin can increase the risk of Reye syndrome, especially in children who have viral infections. Reye syndrome can cause swelling in the brain, liver damage, and even death. Therefore, aspirin should be avoided in children under 19 years old who have influenza or other viral illnesses.
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