The parent of a 4monthold infant is concerned that the infant cannot hear. Which test
will the primary care pediatric nurse practitioner order to evaluate potential hearing loss
in this infant?
A. Acoustic reflectometry
B. Audiometry
C. Auditory brainstem response (ABR)
D. Evoked otooacoustic emission (EOAE) testing - answer C. Auditory brainstem
response (ABR)
The primary care pediatric nurse practitioner obtains a tympanogram on a child that
reveals a sharp peak of 180 mm H2O. What does this value indicate?
A. A normal tympanic membrane
B. Middle ear effusion
C. Negative ear pressure
D. Tympanic membrane perforation - answer C. Negative ear pressure
. An 18monthold child with no previous history of otitis media awoke during the night
with right ear pain. The primary care pediatric nurse practitioner notes an axillary
temperature of 100.5°F and an erythematous, bulging tympanic membrane. A
tympanogram reveals of peak of +150 mm H2O. What is the recommended treatment
for this child?
A. Amoxicillin 80 to 90 mg/kg/day in two divided doses
B. An analgesic medication and watchful waiting
C. Ceftriaxone 50 to 75 mg/kg/dose IM given once
D. Ototopical antibiotic drops twice daily for 5 days - answer B. An analgesic medication
and watchful waiting
A 7monthold infant has had two prior acute ear infections and is currently on the 10th
day of therapy with amoxicillinclavulanate after a failed course of amoxicillin. The
primary care pediatric nurse practitioner notes marked middle ear effusion and
erythema of the TM. The child is irritable and has a temperature of 99.8°F. What is the
next step in management of this child's ear infection?
A. Order a second course of amoxicillinclavulanate.
, Burns - Chapter 30 - Ear Problems
B. Perform tympanocentesis for culture.
C. Prescribe clindamycin twice daily.
D. Refer the child to an otolaryngologist. - answer D. Refer the child to an
otolaryngologist.
3yearold child with pressureequalizing tubes (PET) in both ears has otalgia in one ear.
The primary care pediatric nurse practitioner is able to visualize the tube and does not
see exudate in the ear canal and obtains a type A tympanogram. What will the nurse
practitioner do?
A. Order ototopical antibiotic/corticosteroid drops.
B. Prescribe a prophylactic antibiotic medication.
C. Reassure the parent that this is a normal exam.
D. Refer the child to an otolaryngologist for followup - answer A. Order ototopical
antibiotic/corticosteroid drops.
What will the primary care pediatric nurse practitioner teach the parents of a child who
has new pressureequalizing tubes (PET) in both ears?
A. Parents should notice improved hearing in their child.
B. PET will help by reducing the number of ear infections the child has.
C. The child should use earplugs when showering or bathing.
D. The tubes will most likely remain in place for 3 to 4 years. - answer A. Parents should
notice improved hearing in their child.
A child with a history of otitis externa asks about ways to prevent this condition. What
will the primary care pediatric nurse practitioner recommend?
A. Cleaning ear canals well after swimming
B. Drying the ear canal with a hair dryer
C. Swimming only in chlorinated pools
D. Using cerumenolytic agents daily - answer B. Drying the ear canal with a hair dryer