Final answer:
Using a cotton tip swab to remove earwax increases the risk for a perforated eardrum due to possible pressure build-up and injury from insertion into the ear canal.The correct option is b.
Step-by-step explanation:
The action by the patient that increases the risk for a perforated eardrum is using a cotton tip swab to remove ear wax. This is because inserting anything into the ear canal, especially with excessive force, can push the wax further into the ear and result in increased pressure on the eardrum.
This pressure can lead to a tear or hole in the eardrum. Actions like flushing the ears with warm water, cleansing the outer ear areas with a washcloth, or placing cotton balls in the ears before swimming do not typically exert the same level of pressure on the eardrum and are generally considered safer.
It is important to note that the eardrum, also known as the tympanic membrane, is a thin layer that separates the external ear from the middle ear. Its health is crucial for proper hearing function. Chronic inflammation, infections, or direct injury can damage the eardrum, sometimes leading to chronic ear conditions and hearing loss as depicted .The correct option is b.