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

Otitis externa, also known as swimmer's ear, is characterized by inflammation, redness, and swelling of the ear canal, often accompanied by purulent (pus-like) drainage. The symptoms described match otitis externa rather than otitis media, which involves the middle ear, or the other conditions listed. Hemotympanum involves the presence of blood in the middle ear, typically due to trauma, and tophi are deposits of uric acid crystals associated with gout, not an ear condition.

The Nurse Is Examining a Toddler Client