Health Promotion and Maintenance NCLEX PN Questions Related

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When inspecting the ears for cerumen impaction, the nurse checks for which finding?

  • A. Redness and swelling of the tympanic membrane
  • B. An external auditory canal that is longer than normal
  • C. The presence of edema in the external auditory canal
  • D. A yellowish or brownish waxy material in the external auditory canal
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: When inspecting the ears for cerumen impaction, the nurse should look for a yellowish or brownish waxy material in the external auditory canal. Cerumen, also known as ear wax, is a secretion that can become impacted due to various reasons. It is produced by the vestigial apocrine sweat glands in the external ear canal. Cerumen may partially obscure the eardrum or totally occlude the ear canal. The other options, redness and swelling of the tympanic membrane, an external auditory canal that is longer than normal, and the presence of edema in the external auditory canal, are not indicative findings of cerumen impaction.