Final answer:
The nurse should explore landmarks like the umbo, pars flaccida, and short process of the malleus when examining the tympanic membrane; the vestibule and cochlea are not visible in this examination.
Step-by-step explanation:
When examining the tympanic membrane, a nurse should explore several key landmarks to assess its health and integrity. These landmarks include the umbo, which is the central depression where the malleus attaches to the eardrum, signifying the center of the tympanic membrane. Another landmark is the pars flaccida, a small, slack, superior section of the tympanic membrane which is less taut than the rest of the eardrum.
The short process of the malleus is a small protrusion that can be seen as part of the malleus bone behind the tympanic membrane and is another point of interest for the nurse. It is also important to note that while the vestibule and cochlea are crucial structures for hearing and balance, they are not visible during an examination of the tympanic membrane as they are located in the inner ear, past the middle ear.