The nurse is assessing the tympanic membrane of a client and notes the presence of a bluish color.The nurse would suspect which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A bluish color on the tympanic membrane suggests the presence of blood behind the membrane, which could occur with recent head trauma. Acute otitis media, blocked eustachian tubes, and a history of frequent middle ear infections would not typically present with a bluish color on the tympanic membrane.

The Nurse Is Assessing the Tympanic Membrane of a Client