Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Assessment and Management of Patients with Hearing and Balance Disorders Related

Review Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Assessment and Management of Patients with Hearing and Balance Disorders related questions and content

A 6-month-old infant is brought to the ED by his parents for inconsolable crying and pulling at his right ear. When assessing this infant, the advanced practice nurse is aware that the tympanic membrane should be what color in a healthy ear?

  • A. Yellowish-white
  • B. Pink
  • C. Gray
  • D. Bluish-white
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A healthy tympanic membrane is pearly gray. Yellowish-white, pink, or bluish-white colors suggest inflammation or other pathology.