Which assessment findings should the nurse anticipate in a child with suspected acute otitis media (AOM)? Select all that apply.

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11ecbb05_caf7_556a_b433_cfeee7a504f3_MD0009_00 AOM is an infection of the middle ear resulting from dysfunction of the Eustachian tube. OM typically occurs in infants and children age <2, often following a respiratory tract infection. Clinical manifestations of AOM include high fever (up to 104 F [40 C]), ear pain, irritability/restlessness, loss of appetite, and pulling on the affected ear. In AOM, the tympanic membrane will typically be bulging and very red. If the tympanic membrane ruptures from the buildup of fluid, the client will experience immediate pain relief and a gradually decreasing fever; purulent drainage may be observed in the external ear canal. (Option D) Retracted tympanic membranes occur when there is negative pressure in the middle ear, which can occur with a blocked Eustachian tube or as a complication of chronic infections. In acute otitis media, pus/fluid inside the ear produces bulging and red membranes. (Option E) Severe pain experienced with direct pressure on the tragus or with pulling on the pinna is a manifestation of otitis externa, an infection of the outer ear. The pain associated with AOM is not affected by manipulation of the outer ear. Educational objective: Clinical manifestations of AOM include high fever; ear pain; irritability; pulling on the affected ear; and bulging, red tympanic membranes.

Which Assessment Findings Should the Nurse Anticipate in a Child