A 38-year-old patient presents with sudden onset of ear pain…

A 38-year-old patient presents with sudden onset of ear pain, hearing loss, and bloody otorrhea after a loud blast exposure at work. Otoscopic examination reveals a central perforation of the tympanic membrane. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial management?

A 58-year-old patient presents to the clinic with mild heari…

A 58-year-old patient presents to the clinic with mild hearing loss and a sensation of fullness in the left ear. Otoscopic exam reveals a large amount of soft cerumen partially occluding the external auditory canal. The patient denies pain, drainage, or history of ear surgery. What is the most appropriate initial management?  

A patient presents with sudden onset of sore throat, fever,…

A patient presents with sudden onset of sore throat, fever, malaise, and cough.  On examination, the APRN observes mild erythema of the pharynx and clear rhinorrhea. There is no cervical lymphadenopathy. What is the most likely cause of these symptoms?