NURSING CARE RELATED TO THE SENSORY AND
NEUROLOGICAL SYSTEMS

1-9

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1-9. EXAMINATION OF THE EAR

a. The auditory canal is examined by means of an otoscope and ear speculum. The patient normally sits in an upright position for the exam. The lighted otoscope is inserted, using the largest speculum that will fit comfortably into the patient's external ear canal.

b. Look through the eyepiece and examine the external ear canal for:

(1) Discharge.

 

(2) Impacted cerumen.

 

(3) Inflammation.

 

(4) Masses.

 

(5) Foreign bodies.

c. Examine the tympanic membrane for:

(1) Luster.

 

(2) Transparency.

 

(3) Integrity.

 

(4) Scarring.

 

(5) Color.

 

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