A nurse is explaining the main cause of otitis media to a parent of a young child.
Which of the following statements accurately describes the primary cause of otitis media as per the information provided in the text?

"I have a high fever, and I'm shivering.”.

Choice A rationale:

"I have a high fever, and I'm shivering.”.

A high fever with chills indicates a systemic response to infection, which can be seen in severe cases of otitis media.

Fever is a common symptom and can indicate a spreading or worsening infection.

Shivering (rigors) often accompanies a high fever and suggests a significant inflammatory response in the body.

Choice B rationale:

"I feel warm, but I'm not sweating.”.

Feeling warm without sweating may indicate a low-grade fever, which can occur in various infections, including otitis media.

However, this statement does not provide information about the severity of the fever or the child's overall condition.

Choice C rationale:

"I'm sweating a lot, and I'm very tired.”.

Sweating and fatigue can be symptoms of various illnesses, including infections.

Sweating, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like fever, can indicate a fever breaking, but it does not specifically provide information about the severity of the infection or its relationship to otitis media.

Choice D rationale:

"I don't have a fever at all.”.

The absence of fever is not consistent with acute otitis media.

Fever is a common systemic response to infection and inflammation.

In the context of otitis media, the presence of fever indicates a more severe or active infection.

Choice A rationale:

Eustachian tube obstruction does lead to decreased pressure in the middle ear.

When the Eustachian tube is blocked or not functioning properly, it can create a vacuum in the middle ear, leading to negative pressure, which can pull fluid into the middle ear space.

Choice B rationale:

Effusion is indeed the fluid that fills the normally air-filled middle ear cavity in otitis media.

This fluid can accumulate due to Eustachian tube dysfunction or inflammation, leading to the characteristic symptoms of otitis media.

Choice C rationale:

Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis are indeed common pathogens causing otitis media.

These bacteria can infect the middle ear and lead to the inflammation and fluid accumulation characteristic of otitis media.

Choice D rationale:

Otitis media does not result from the inflammation of the outer ear.

Otitis media specifically refers to inflammation and infection of the middle ear.

Choice E rationale:

The statement about the eardrum becoming red, swollen, and bulging due to the absence of effusion is incorrect.

The presence of effusion behind the eardrum can cause it to appear red, swollen, and bulging, not the absence of effusion.