A client presents with itching and pain in the left ear that started several days after beginning swim lessons. The nurse observes a discharge coming from the ear with a musty odor. How should the nurse expect the ear to appear when performing an otoscopic examination?

Choice A rationale A translucent, pearly gray, and mobile tympanic membrane is a normal finding and does not align with the symptoms of itching, pain, and discharge. Choice B rationale A red, edematous ear canal with no visualization of the tympanic membrane is indicative of otitis externa, commonly known as “swimmer’s ear.”. This condition is characterized by inflammation and infection of the external ear canal, often following swimming. Choice C rationale A thickened and bulging tympanic membrane is more indicative of otitis media with effusion or acute otitis media, where fluid or pus collects behind the eardrum. Choice D rationale A retracted and non-mobile tympanic membrane is typically associated with eustachian tube dysfunction or negative middle ear pressure, not with the symptoms described.