The nurse is caring for a client with otitis media.The client reports that the pain was severe during the night but was gone upon awakening in the morning.Which finding does the nurse expect to observe during the client's physical assessment?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Spontaneous perforation of the tympanic membrane during acute otitis media relieves the pressure on middle ear structures and results in a sudden decrease in or elimination of pain.Purulent drainage is often present in the ear canal as the fluid drains away from the tympanic membrane.Bluish-gray coloring of the tympanic membrane indicates blood behind the eardrum.A reddened pinna and tragus indicate otitis externa.Lateralization of sounds toward the affected ear would not be expected.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client with Otitis Media