A patient with a middle ear infection asks the nurse, "What does the middle ear do?" Which is the best response by the nurse?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Among its other functions, the middle ear conducts sound vibrations from the outer ear to the central hearing apparatus in the inner ear. The other responses are not functions of the middle ear. The inner ear, not the middle ear, helps with balance. Sound is interpreted in the cerebral cortex, not the middle ear. The middle ear reduces the amplitude of loud sounds, not increase them, to protect the inner year. The functions of the middle ear are to conduct sound vibrations from the outer ear to the central hearing apparatus in the inner ear; protect the inner ear by reducing the amplitude of loud sounds; and allow equalization of air pressure on each side of the tympanic membrane via the eustachian tubes so that the membrane does not rupture.

A Patient with a Middle Ear Infection Asks the Nurse