NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)Clinical Patient CareMedium
A medical assistant is observing a physician perform a routine physical examination. The physician uses an otoscope to examine the patient's ears. Which of the following structures is the physician primarily assessing with this instrument?
- ARetina
- BNasal septum
- CTympanic membrane
- DTonsils
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Tympanic membrane
An otoscope is specifically designed to visualize the external auditory canal and the tympanic membrane (eardrum). The nasal septum is viewed with a nasal speculum, the retina with an ophthalmoscope, and tonsils with a tongue depressor and light source for the oral cavity.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The retina is a structure in the eye and is examined using an ophthalmoscope.
- B. The nasal septum is part of the nose and is examined using a nasal speculum.
- D. The tonsils are located in the oral cavity and are examined visually, often with the aid of a tongue depressor and light.
Otoscope Use
An instrument used to examine the external auditory canal and the tympanic membrane (eardrum) of the ear.
- Consists of a handle, light source, and magnifying lens.
- Used to detect ear infections (otitis media), foreign bodies, or perforations.
- Requires selection of appropriate speculum size.
- Pull pinna up and back (adult) or down and back (child) to straighten canal.
Memory trick: Oto for Ears, Ophth for Eyes, Nasal for Nose