When performing an otoscopic examination of a 5-year-old child with a history of chronic ear infections, the nurse sees that his right tympanic membrane is amber-yellow in colour and that air bubbles are visible behind the tympanic membrane.The child reports occasional hearing loss and a popping sound with swallowing.The preliminary analysis based on this information is that the child:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The amber-yellow colour and presence of air bubbles behind the tympanic membrane suggest fluid accumulation, which is commonly seen in serous otitis media. The occasional hearing loss and popping sound with swallowing are also consistent with this diagnosis. Purulent otitis media would have a red, bulging tympanic membrane, while resolving cholesteatoma and early stages of perforation would have different characteristic findings.

When Performing an Otoscopic Examination of a 5-Year-Old Child with a History