A nurse is assessing a client who reports ear pain for the past 3 days that has suddenly resolved. The client has a new onset of otorrhea (drainage from the ear). The nurse should recognize the client has manifestations of which of the following conditions?

Rationale: A. This is a benign tumor on the vestibulocochlear nerve and typically presents with unilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance issues, not sudden pain relief followed by drainage. B. A sudden resolution of ear pain followed by otorrhea (drainage) is a classic sign of a ruptured tympanic membrane. The rupture relieves the pressure and pain but allows fluid or pus to drain. C. Ménière’s disease presents with episodic vertigo, tinnitus, fluctuating hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the ear, not acute drainage. D. Mastoiditis is an infection of the mastoid bone, presenting with ear pain, swelling, redness, and fever. It does not typically cause sudden relief of pain followed by drainage.