Question

A client scheduled for a Type II tympanoplasty asks what is involved in the surgery. The nurse should tell the client that: A. A small surgical incision will be made in the eardrum to relieve pressure. B. The three bones in the middle ear will be replaced with muscle or fascia. C. The bones in the middle ear will be reconnected to the tympanic membrane to restore hearing. D. A polyethylene tube will be surgically placed through the tympanic membrane.

Short answer

Answer: The nurse should tell the client that a Type II tympanoplasty involves reconnecting the bones in the middle ear to the tympanic membrane to restore hearing.

Step-by-step solution

Define Type II Tympanoplasty

A Type II tympanoplasty, also known as an ossiculoplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to repair or reconstruct the middle ear's ossicular chain (the three small bones in the middle ear). The aim of the surgery is to improve hearing by restoring the connection between the tympanic membrane (eardrum) and these bones.

Evaluate option A

Option A states that a small surgical incision will be made in the eardrum to relieve pressure. This description corresponds to a myringotomy, which is different from a Type II tympanoplasty. So, option A is not correct.

Evaluate option B

Option B mentions that the three bones in the middle ear will be replaced with muscle or fascia. This is not accurate for a Type II tympanoplasty, as the surgery aims to repair or reconstruct the bones, not replace them. Thus, option B is not correct.

Evaluate option C

Option C states that the bones in the middle ear will be reconnected to the tympanic membrane to restore hearing, which is an accurate description of a Type II tympanoplasty. The surgery seeks to repair or reconstruct the ossicular chain and improve the patient's hearing by restoring the connection between the tympanic membrane and the bones. Therefore, option C is the correct answer.

Evaluate option D

Option D suggests that a polyethylene tube will be surgically placed through the tympanic membrane. This procedure refers to a tympanostomy tube placement, which is different from a Type II tympanoplasty. As a result, option D is not correct.

Conclusion

The nurse should tell the client that a Type II tympanoplasty involves reconnecting the bones in the middle ear to the tympanic membrane to restore hearing, as stated in option C.