HESI Health Assessment Practice Test 2026 – All-in-One Study Guide for Exam Success!

Question: 1 / 400

In assessing a patient for a perforated eardrum, what is the most critical question to ask?

When did you last have your hearing checked?

Do you notice ringing in your ears?

Have you been told you have hearing loss?

Was there a relationship between your ear pain and discharge?

Asking about the relationship between ear pain and discharge is crucial when assessing for a perforated eardrum because these symptoms are closely associated with the condition. A perforated eardrum often presents with ear pain, and if there is a rupture, this pain may be accompanied by discharge from the ear, which could be fluid, pus, or blood. Understanding whether these symptoms are linked can provide significant insight into the severity and nature of the ear injury.

Additionally, this question can help in determining the potential cause of the perforation, such as infection or trauma, and guide further diagnostic steps or treatment. Knowing the timeline and correlation between pain and discharge can reveal critical information about the patient's current condition and history, impacting management decisions.

The other questions, while relevant to ear health, do not directly address the immediate concerns associated with a perforated eardrum as effectively as establishing the link between pain and discharge does.

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