Management of CareQuestion 1269 of 2368
Which client with otitis externa should the nurse report to the provider because malignant otitis externa is a concern?
- A swimmer with mild ear itching for one day
- A child with ear pain who improves after two days of ear drops
- A client with a cerumen buildup but no pain
- A client with diabetes who has a fever and is not improving with treatment
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Correct answer: A client with diabetes who has a fever and is not improving with treatment
Malignant otitis externa spreads to the temporal bone, and is suspected in at-risk clients with a fever who do not respond to treatment.
Source: Nursing Health Promotion (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2025), Other Childhood Disorders: Otitis Externa. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Management of Care"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026