When assessing a child with otitis media, what aspect should the nurse evaluate related to fever?

Choice A rationale:

A history of frequent episodes of otitis media is important to inquire about because recurrent ear infections are a common sign of otitis media.

Children who have experienced multiple episodes of otitis media are at a higher risk for developing the condition again.

This information helps the nurse assess the child's susceptibility to ear infections and guides further evaluation and treatment decisions.

Choice B rationale:

Previous upper respiratory tract infections are relevant to the child's overall health but are not specific symptoms of otitis media.

Otitis media can be a complication of upper respiratory infections, but the presence of previous infections alone does not confirm otitis media.

Choice C rationale:

Exposure to loud noise as a daily occurrence is not a symptom of otitis media.

Otitis media is an inflammation of the middle ear, commonly caused by bacterial or viral infections, and is not related to exposure to loud noises.

Choice D rationale:

A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear can be associated with otitis media, but it is a nonspecific symptom that can occur in various ear conditions.

While it may raise suspicion, it is not a definitive sign of otitis media.

Choice E rationale:

Immunization history of the child is important for the child's overall health, but it is not a specific symptom of otitis media.

Immunizations do not directly influence the development or presence of otitis media.

Choice A rationale:

Redness of the tympanic membrane can indicate inflammation, which is a common sign of acute otitis media (AOM).

Inflammation causes increased blood flow to the area, leading to redness and often pain.

Choice B rationale:

Bulging of the tympanic membrane occurs when there is increased pressure behind the eardrum, often due to fluid accumulation.

In the context of acute otitis media, this bulging is caused by the buildup of pus or other fluids in the middle ear.

Choice C rationale:

Purulence (pus) observed in the ear canal is a definitive sign of acute otitis media.

The presence of pus indicates an active infection within the middle ear.

Choice D rationale:

Orange discoloration of the tympanic membrane is not a typical finding in acute otitis media.

The color change could be due to various factors but is not specific to this condition.

Choice E rationale:

Decreased mobility of the tympanic membrane can occur due to the accumulation of fluid in the middle ear, leading to impaired movement.

This decreased mobility is often observed in acute otitis media and contributes to the diagnosis.