(Select all that apply): A nurse is discussing factors contributing to the pathophysiology of otitis media with a colleague.
Which of the following statements regarding the pathophysiology of otitis media, as described in the text, are correct? (Choose three.).
Eustachian tube obstruction leads to decreased pressure in the middle ear.
Effusion is the fluid that fills the normally air-filled middle ear cavity.
Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis are common pathogens causing otitis media.
Otitis media results from the inflammation of the outer ear.
The eardrum becomes red, swollen, and bulging due to the absence of effusion.
Correct Answer : A,B,C
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.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Age alone is not a risk factor for otitis media.
However, certain age groups, such as young children, are more susceptible to ear infections due to their developing immune systems and shorter Eustachian tubes.
Choice B rationale:
Season is not a direct risk factor for otitis media.
While certain respiratory infections might be more common in specific seasons, otitis media itself is not strongly influenced by seasonal changes.
Choice C rationale:
Allergies can contribute to ear infections, but they are not the most closely associated risk factor mentioned in the context.
Allergies can lead to inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear, making individuals more prone to infections.
However, in the given options, day care attendance is a more specific risk factor related to exposure to infectious agents.
Choice D rationale:
Day care attendance is closely associated with an increased exposure to infectious agents, including the bacteria that can cause otitis media.
Children in day care settings are in close contact with others, facilitating the spread of infections.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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.
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