A client with otitis media asks how an infection can occur that deep into the ear. The best response by the nurse is:
1. "The eustachian tube is connected to the nasopharynx."
2. "The eardrum only protects the inner ear from infection."
3. "The infection begins because you put your fingers in your ear."
4. "Swimming introduces bacteria into the middle ear."
Answer: 1
1. The middle ear is protected by the eardrum; however, the Eustachian tube is connected to the nasopharynx, which allows organisms to travel to the ear, particularly when the client has a cold or throat infection.
2. The eardrum protects the middle and inner ear.
3. Putting fingers in the ear is not likely to cause infection unless the substance on the fingers is highly contagious. Infections travel to the middle ear from the nasopharynx.
4. Because of the protection of the eardrum, middle ear infections do not usually occur from entry of an organism from the outside of the ear.
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