A nurse is conducting a comprehensive assessment of a child with otitis media.
Select all the appropriate assessment findings the nurse should consider.

"Difficulty locating sounds or following directions.”.

Choice A rationale:

Difficulty locating sounds or following directions is a common sign of hearing loss in children with otitis media.

Hearing loss can affect a child's ability to hear and process sounds, leading to problems in locating the source of sounds or following instructions.

This manifestation is indicative of conductive hearing loss, which is commonly associated with otitis media.

Children may have trouble understanding speech, especially in noisy environments.

Choice B rationale:

Ringing or buzzing sound in the ear, also known as tinnitus, is not a typical manifestation of hearing loss in otitis media.

Tinnitus can occur due to various reasons, but it is not a specific indicator of hearing loss associated with otitis media.

Choice C rationale:

Severe, pulsating ear pain is a symptom of acute otitis media, but it is not directly indicative of hearing loss.

Ear pain is caused by the buildup of fluid and pressure in the middle ear, leading to discomfort and pain.

However, it does not necessarily mean the child has hearing loss.

Choice D rationale:

Vertigo and nystagmus are symptoms associated with inner ear disorders, such as vestibular labyrinthitis or Meniere's disease, but they are not typical manifestations of hearing loss in otitis media.

These symptoms involve problems with balance and coordination and are not directly related to hearing loss.

Choice E rationale:

Inconsolable crying due to discomfort is a general symptom that can occur in children with various illnesses, including otitis media.

While it indicates the child is in pain or discomfort, it is not a specific sign of hearing loss.

Children may cry due to ear pain, but this symptom alone does not confirm hearing loss.

Choice A rationale:

The statement "I sometimes feel dizzy and unsteady" indicates balance problems in the child.

Balance issues can occur in individuals with otitis media due to disturbances in the inner ear, affecting the vestibular system responsible for balance and spatial orientation.

Dizziness and unsteadiness are common symptoms associated with inner ear problems, including otitis media.

Therefore, this statement should be evaluated further to assess the child's balance and related concerns.

Choice B rationale:

The statement "My ear feels heavy" is related to a sensation in the ear and does not specifically indicate balance problems.

While otitis media can cause ear discomfort and pain, the sensation of heaviness alone does not provide information about the child's balance issues.

It is important to differentiate between symptoms related to ear discomfort and those indicating problems with balance.

Choice C rationale:

The statement "I have trouble swallowing" is not directly related to balance problems associated with otitis media.

Swallowing difficulties are typically not a primary symptom of otitis media.

This statement might indicate issues with the throat or esophagus but does not provide relevant information about the child's balance concerns.

Choice D rationale:

The statement "I can balance perfectly" suggests that the child does not experience balance problems.

This statement contradicts the typical symptoms associated with otitis media, which can include dizziness, unsteadiness, and balance issues.

If the child can balance perfectly, it indicates that their vestibular system, responsible for balance, is functioning normally and is not affected by otitis media.