A 35-Year-Old Woman Comes to the Office Due to Left

question 1153

Multiple Choice

A 35-year-old woman comes to the office due to left ear pain and itching that began yesterday.  The patient is an avid long-distance runner and uses earbuds to listen to music while training.  After a long run yesterday, she took out her earbuds and noticed a thick green discharge on the left side.  She used cotton-tipped applicators to clean out both ears.  This morning, she was unable to insert her left earbud due to significant pain.  A similar episode occurred 9 months ago and resolved with appropriate treatment.  She takes no medications.  Temperature is 37 C (98.6 F) , blood pressure is 110/70 mm Hg, and pulse is 70/min.  Examination of the left ear causes significant pain.  The ear canal is red and swollen, with green drainage that obscures the tympanic membrane.  The right ear appears normal.  The scalp and hair are normal.  Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

• A)Acute otitis externa
• B)Allergic contact dermatitis
• C)Otitis media with effusion
• D)Relapsing polychondritis
• E)Tympanic membrane perforation

---

Definitions:

Professional Examination

A test that evaluates an individual's knowledge, skills, and competencies in a particular profession, often required for certification.

Perform Audits

The process of examining an organization's financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance with accounting standards and laws.

Financial Statements

Summaries that present a snapshot of a corporation's financial health, encompassing the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement.

Statement of Stockholders' Equity

This financial statement details the changes in the equity section of a company over a period, including transactions like stock issuance and earnings retention, presenting a different perspective from its initial portrayal.