A ruptured tympanic membrane is defined as:

• A. An infection of the outer ear
• B. A rupture of the cochlear nerve
• C. A blockage of the Eustachian tube
• D. A tear or injury to the eardrum

Answer: (D)

The main idea is recognizing that a ruptured tympanic membrane means a tear or injury to the eardrum itself. The tympanic membrane, or eardrum, is the thin membrane that vibrates when sound enters the ear and separates the outer ear from the middle ear. When it ruptures, it indicates a tear or physical damage to that membrane, which can happen from trauma, a sudden pressure change, or severe ear infection, and may cause pain, drainage, and hearing loss.

It isn’t an infection of the outer ear, which is otitis externa. It isn’t a rupture of a nerve in the inner ear, such as the cochlear nerve. It isn’t a blockage of the Eustachian tube, which refers to pressure problems or fluid buildup rather than tearing of the eardrum.