Which of the following assessment findings is characteristic of otitis externa?
A) Tophi on the pinna and earlobe
B) Dark yellow cerumen in the external auditory canal
C) Pain on manipulation of the auricle
D) Air bubbles visible in the middle ear
Ans: C
Feedback: Pain when the nurse pulls gently on the auricle in preparation for an otoscopic examination of the ear canal is a characteristic finding in patients with otitis externa. Tophi are deposits of uric acid crystals and are generally painless; they are a common physical assessment finding in patients diagnosed with gout. Cerumen is a normal finding during assessment of the ear canal. Its presence does not necessarily indicate that inflammation is present. Air bubbles in the middle ear may be visualized with the otoscope; however, these do not indicate a problem involving the ear canal. Aural tenderness or pain is not usually associated with middle ear disorders.
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