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 B
Explanation
Choice A: Contact isolation is not appropriate for a child who has measles, which is a highly contagious viral infection that causes fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. Contact isolation is used for patients who have infections that can be spread by direct or indirect contact with the patient or their environment, such as wound infections, scabies, or Clostridioides difficile. Contact isolation requires wearing gloves and gowns and using dedicated equipment.
Choice B: Airborne isolation is appropriate for a child who has measles, as it is used for patients who have infections that can be spread by small droplets that can remain suspended in the air and travel over long distances, such as tuberculosis, chickenpox, or measles. Airborne isolation requires wearing a respirator mask and placing the patient in a negative pressure room with the door closed.
Choice C: Protective environment isolation is not appropriate for a child who has measles, as it is used for patients who have compromised immune systems and are at high risk of acquiring infections from others, such as transplant recipients, cancer patients, or patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Protective environment isolation requires wearing gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection and placing the patient in a positive pressure room with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters.
Choice D: Droplet isolation is not appropriate for a child who has measles, as it is used for patients who have infections that can be spread by large droplets that can travel up to 6 feet from the source, such as influenza, pertussis, or meningitis. Droplet isolation requires wearing a surgical mask and eye protection and placing the patient in a private room or cohorting with other patients with the same infection.
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.
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