The nurse is performing an otoscope examination on an older patient and assesses a bulging red membrane with absent distorted light reflex. What is the nurse's priority action?
1. Document findings as normal.
2. Prepare for antibiotic therapy.
3. Irrigate ear canal.
4. Apply pressure dressing.
2. Prepare for antibiotic therapy.
Explanation: 1. These findings are not normal for an otoscope examination.
2. Otitis media is correct because infected fluid in the middle ear causes the bulging red membrane and the absent distorted light reflex is caused by the increasing middle-ear pressure. Antibiotic therapy is expected as the treatment.
3. Irrigation of the canal is not indicated for otitis media.
4. A pressure dressing is not indicated.
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