The nurse is preparing to perform an otoscopic examination of a newborn infant. Which statement is true regarding this examination?

A) An injected membrane may indicate an infection.
B) The eardrum will appear in the oblique position.
C) The normal membrane may appear thick and opaque.
D) The appearance of the membrane is identical to that of an adult.

During the first few days after the birth, the tympanic membrane of a newborn often appears thickened and opaque. It may look injected and have a mild redness from increased vascularity. The eardrum of a neonated is more horizontal, making it more difficult to see completely. By one month of age the drum is in the oblique (more vertical) position as in the adult. During the first few days after the birth, the tympanic membrane of a newborn often appears thickened and opaque. It may look injected and have a mild redness from increased vascularity, but it is not due to infection. The eardrum of a neonated is more horizontal (not oblique), making it more difficult to see completely. By one month of age the drum is in the oblique (more vertical) position as in the adult.