Physiological AdaptationQuestion 2188 of 2368

The nurse notes clear fluid draining from the ear canal of a child who has tympanostomy tubes. What should the nurse do?

  1. Document it as an expected finding
  2. Report it as a ruptured tympanic membrane
  3. Irrigate the ear canal
  4. Request an order for antibiotics
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Correct answer: Document it as an expected finding

Clear fluid draining through a tympanostomy tube is expected, as the tube drains fluid from the middle ear.

Source: Nursing Skills, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Eye and Ear Assessment: Anatomy of the Ear. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Physiological Adaptation"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026