Question

A 13-month-old girl presents to the Shadow General Hospital Emergency Department with fussiness and pulling at her left ear. She has also had a fever. What is the primary expected finding on the HEENT exam?
A) White patches on her tongue and gums
B) Green eye discharge
C) Bulging, red left tympanic membrane
D) Nasal discharge

Answer 1

Answer:

C:  Bulging, red left tympanic membrane

Explanation:

This patient presents with signs and symptoms of an ear infection. She may have nasal discharge that contributed to the infected fluid behind her tympanic membrane, but that is not the direct cause of her pulling at her ear. The provider should order antibiotics.