A Patient Reports Symptoms of Otalgia and Difficulty Hearing from One

question 1

Multiple Choice

A patient reports symptoms of otalgia and difficulty hearing from one ear. The provider performs an otoscopic exam and notes a dark brown mass in the lower portion of the external canal blocking the patient's tympanic membrane. What is the initial action?

• A) Ask the patient about previous problems with that ear.
• B) Irrigate the canal with normal saline.
• C) Prescribe a ceruminolytic agent for that ear.
• D) Use a curette to attempt to dislodge the mass.

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Definitions:

Tourette Syndrome

Disorder of the motor system, characterized by involuntary vocalizations (sometimes including curse words and grunting sounds) and odd, involuntary movements of the body, especially of the face and head.

Parkinson Disease

A progressive neurological disorder characterized by motor symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia, as well as non-motor symptoms, due to loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain.

Hyperkinetic

Refers to movements that are excessive and beyond normal voluntary control, often seen in certain neurological conditions.

Hypokinetic

Describes conditions or disorders characterized by reduced movement or activity.