Wong's Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank - Communication and Physical Assessment of the Child and Family Related

Review Wong's Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank - Communication and Physical Assessment of the Child and Family related questions and content

During an otoscopic examination on an infant, in which direction is the pinna pulled?

  • A. Up and back
  • B. Up and forward
  • C. Down and back
  • D. Down and forward
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In infants and toddlers, the ear canal is curved upward. To visualize the ear canal, it is necessary to pull the pinna down and back to the 6 to 9 oclock range to straighten the canal. In children older than age 3 years and adults, the canal curves downward and forward. The pinna is pulled up and back to the 10 oclock position. Up and forward and down and forward are positions that do not facilitate visualization of the ear canal.