The nurse is examining a toddler client. The toddler has a fever and the nurse notes the ear canal is red and swollen and the presence of purulent drainage. Based on this assessment data, which diagnosis does the nurse anticipate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described, including a red and swollen ear canal and the presence of purulent drainage, are indicative of otitis externa, an infection of the outer ear canal. Otitis media involves the middle ear, hemotympanum involves the presence of blood in the middle ear, and tophi are deposits of uric acid crystals, typically associated with gout, not ear infections.

The Nurse Is Examining a Toddler Client