A patient experiences an increase in ear pain when the auricle is pulled up and back. The nurse would conduct additional assessment for which condition?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pulling up and back on the auricle is known as the "traction test," and if this maneuver reproduces pain, it is suggestive of otitis externa (inflammation of the outer ear canal). Otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear), labyrinthitis (inflammation of the inner ear), and exostosis (bony growth in the ear canal) would not typically cause increased pain with this maneuver.

A Patient Experiences an Increase in Ear Pain When the Auricle