A 16-year-old client with a history of chronic ear infections when younger comes to the clinic for a health exam. No ear pain, vertigo or hearing loss is reported during history taking. Inspection of the tympanic membranes (TM) reveals the presence of dense white patches on the TMs in both ears. Both TMs are a translucent gray with a light reflex at 5:00. All landmarks are visible. Based on these findings, which action should the nurse take next?

A. Record the findings in the client's record. Dense white patches on the tympanic membrane (TM) are often due to tympanosclerosis, which results from past ear infections or previous scarring. Since the TMs are translucent gray with a normal light reflex and visible landmarks, this is a benign finding and should simply be documented. B. Culture the white patches for possible fungal growth. Fungal infections (otomycosis) typically present with fluffy, black or white fungal debris in the ear canal, not as dense, white scarring on the TM. There is no indication of an active infection. C. Referral to an audiologist for a hearing evaluation. Tympanosclerosis can cause hearing loss if it significantly stiffens the TM or ossicles, but the client denies hearing loss or symptoms. Routine monitoring is appropriate unless hearing issues arise. D. Clean the ears to remove excess wax build-up. The description does not indicate wax accumulation, but rather white patches on the TM, which are not removable by cleaning. Wax is typically found in the external ear canal, not on the TM itself.