Question

After performing the otoscopic examination of a patient, the nurse concludes that the patient has an infection. Which findings enabled the nurse to reach this conclusion?

The presence of pearl gray-colored tympanic membrane

The presence of whiter and denser annulus at the periphery

The presence of yellow/amber-colored tympanic membrane

The presence of the malleus visible behind the tympanic membrane

Answer 1

The nurse concluded that the patient has an infection based on the presence of a yellow/amber-colored tympanic membrane and a whiter and denser annulus at the periphery.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse concluded that the patient has an infection based on the presence of a yellow/amber-colored tympanic membrane and a whiter and denser annulus at the periphery. These findings are indicative of an infection in the middle ear.

AOM (Acute Otitis Media) is a common ear infection that results in the formation and accumulation of pus in the middle ear. The presence of a yellow/amber-colored tympanic membrane and a whiter and denser annulus suggest the presence of pus and inflammation.

The nurse should also consider other symptoms such as otalgia (ear pain), swelling of the eustachian tubes, and nonverbal signs like holding, tugging, or rubbing of the ear in response to the pain, to confirm the diagnosis of an ear infection.