The nurse is performing an otoscopic examination on an adult patient.After having the patient tilt the head to the side not being examined and looking into the ear canal to make sure a foreign body is not present,what should the nurse do next?

A) Straighten the ear canal by pulling the pinna up and back.
B) Insert the speculum into the ear canal slowly.
C) Test the mobility of the tympanic membrane.
D) Straighten the ear canal by pulling the pinna down and back.

Question

Tommy Eaton · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : A, Explanation :  BFor an adult, the correct technique to straighten the ear canal during an otoscopic examination is to pull the pinna up and back. This maneuver allows for better visualization of the ear canal and tympanic membrane. After ensuring the canal is clear and straightened, the next step is to insert the speculum into the ear canal slowly to examine the canal and tympanic membrane further. Testing the mobility of the tympanic membrane (choice C) typically occurs after visual inspection, and pulling the pinna down and back (choice D) is the technique used for children, not adults.

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