Final - Ear Flashcards
What does a normal tympanic membrane look like
“Pearly grey” membrane (pars tensa)
Tympanosclerosis
- dense white patches
Because scarring/calcium deposition within the layers of the TM
Acute Otitis Media
- Tympanic membrane (TM) is red and bulging
What mobility testing is used to help answer question of whether or not the middle ear is infected
Pneumatic otoscopy
Decreased TM mobility = increased likelihood of middle ear infection
Pressure from infection in middle ear caused TM rupture
Acute otitis media with perforation
Mastoiditis
- pain, erythema, and swelling over the mastoid process
- causes forward displacement of the pinna
- infection of the air cells in the mastoid bone
Mastoiditis management
- send to emergency department (ED)
Ears feel “plugged” but not painful
Serous Otitis Media
aka Otitis Media with Effusion
Serous Otitis Media
Findings
- Normal OR retracted TM; amber colored fluid; air-fluid bubbles
Normal eustachian tube Connects the _____
filled middle ear to the nasopharynx
Should open to allow ____ exchange when _____, ______, and _____
Air
Yawning, swallowing, sneezing
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
- tube(s) get plugged
- sounds are muffled and ears feel full; possibly some pain too
Eustachian dysfunction affect on middle ear cavity?Most common cause?
- fluid accumulation = otitis media with effusion
- can rapidly lead to negative pressure in the middle ear and a retracted tympanic membrane
Most common cause: excessive mucus and inflammation due to a cold, sinus infection or allergies
Nasopharyngeal Obstruction by Adenoids is more of an issue in _____. Adenoids ______ in adults
Children
Shrink
Nasopharyngeal Obstruction by Adenoids treatment
- Eustachian tube exercises: swallowing, yawning, chewing gum, self autoinflation
- Eustachian tube manipulation procedure
- If pain, recommend heating pad and/or OTC NSAIDs or acetaminophen
Treatment for chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction
- Antihistamine or steroid nasal spray if allergies are a factor (OTC)