A nurse is caring for a child who has otitis media. Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse expect?

Rationale: A. Clear drainage from the ear is not typical of otitis media; if present, it may indicate a tympanic membrane rupture or cerebrospinal fluid leak, which requires further evaluation. B. Children often pull or tug at their ear due to discomfort or pain associated with the middle ear infection. C. Erythema and edema of the affected ear is more indicative of otitis externa (“swimmer’s ear”), not otitis media. D. Pain with manipulation of the ear lobe is also characteristic of otitis externa, not otitis media.