How to assess an ear problem

You learned about ear problems in Study Session 13. As you read, although ear problems do not directly lead to death, they can cause serious complications that may result in permanent disability or death by involving other vital organs.

Ask about ear problems in all sick children. Ask the mother or caregiver whether the child has any ear pain or ear discharge and for how long they have had fever. Look for pus draining from the ear or feel for tender swellings behind the ear.