Final answer:
The client presents with symptoms common to Acute Otitis Media, including ear pain, a sense of fullness, nausea, and fever. The nurse should assess the client's medical history, particularly focusing on ear and upper respiratory infections, to further examine the potential for AOM or otitis media with effusion, informed by an understanding of middle ear anatomy and eustachian tube function.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student question is related to a client presenting with symptoms that could potentially be indicative of Acute Otitis Media (AOM), an infection in the middle ear. The nurse would logically question the client about their recent medical history, especially any history of ear infections or upper respiratory issues. AOM is characterized by pain, a sensation of fullness in the ear, nausea, and occasionally fever, which match the client's symptoms. Risk factors such as eustachian tube structure and function should be addressed, as well as verifying the presence of fluid behind the eardrum, indicators of inflammation, and otalgia. Important considerations include the possibility of otitis media with effusion (OME), potentially leading to recurring and chronic earaches and the increase in microbial growth due to fluid accumulation. An understanding of the anatomy of the middle ear and the pathophysiology of AOM indicate that any blockage of the eustachian tubes can prevent proper drainage and create an environment conducive to infection. The nurse should inquire about any sensations of pressure or blockage, in addition to recent illnesses that may have caused upper respiratory congestion leading to Eustachian tube dysfunction. An adult client with these symptoms would likely be asked to define the onset and duration of symptoms to help in the accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.