The nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing inflammation that involves the middle ear. What is the appropriate medical term for the nurse to include in the documentation for this client?

Question

1. Swimmer's ear
2. Mastoiditis
3. Otitis media
4. Otitis externa

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 3

Rationale 1: Swimmer's ear is incorrect. Otitis externa is most commonly called "swimmer's ear," and involves the outer ear.
Rationale 2: Mastoiditis is incorrect because this is inflammation of the mastoid sinus.
Rationale 3: Otitis media is inflammation of the middle ear.
Rationale 4: Otitis externa is incorrect. Otitis externa is most commonly called "swimmer's ear," and involves the outer ear.

Global Rationale: Otitis media is inflammation of the middle ear. Swimmer's ear is incorrect. Otitis externa is most commonly called "swimmer's ear," and involves the outer ear. Mastoiditis is incorrect because this is inflammation of the mastoid sinus. Otitis externa is incorrect. Otitis externa is most commonly called "swimmer's ear," and involves the outer ear.