While performing the otoscopic examination of a 3-year-old boy who has been pulling on his left ear, the nurse finds that his left tympanic membrane is bright red and that the light reflex is not visible.The nurse interprets these findings to indicate:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The redness and lack of visible light reflex indicate inflammation of the tympanic membrane, which is commonly seen in acute otitis media. Fungal infections would present with a different appearance and symptoms. Perforation of the eardrum and cholesteatoma may present with similar symptoms but would require further examination to confirm.

While Performing the Otoscopic Examination of a 3-Year-Old Boy Who