Pediatric Nursing Q 176

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Nurse Kim is teaching a group of parents about otitis media. When discussing why children are predisposed to this disorder, the nurse should mention the significance of which anatomical feature?

  

     A. Eustachian tubes

     B. Nasopharynx

     C. Tympanic membrane

     D. External ear canal

    

    

Correct Answer: A. Eustachian tubes

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In a child, Eustachian tubes are short and lie in a horizontal plane, promoting entry of nasopharyngeal secretions into the tubes and thus setting the stage for otitis media. Due to the constricted anatomical space of the middle ear, the edema caused by the inflammatory process obstructs the narrowest part of the Eustachian tube leading to a decrease in ventilation.

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Option B: Otitis media begins as an inflammatory process following a viral upper respiratory tract infection involving the mucosa of the nose, nasopharynx, middle ear mucosa, and Eustachian tubes.

Option C: The growth of microbes in the middle ear then leads to suppuration and eventually frank purulence in the middle ear space. This is demonstrated clinically by a bulging or erythematous tympanic membrane and purulent middle ear fluid.

Option D: The external ear canal has no unusual features that would predispose a child to otitis media. Acute otitis media is defined as an infection of the middle ear space. In AOM, the TM may be erythematous or normal, and there may be fluid in the middle ear space.

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