Final answer:
The nurse should include decreased hearing acuity as one of the manifestations of otitis media.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should include decreased hearing acuity as one of the manifestations of otitis media in the teaching to new parents.
Otitis media is characterized by the formation and accumulation of pus in the middle ear, which can result in moderate to severe bulging of the tympanic membrane and ear pain (otalgia).
Other nonverbal signs that infants and toddlers may exhibit include holding, tugging, or rubbing of the ear, as well as uncharacteristic crying or distress in response to the pain.