What symptom should a nurse anticipate in a client diagnosed with mastoiditis?

When a patient is diagnosed with mastoiditis, one of the hallmark symptoms is the swelling behind the affected ear. Mastoiditis is an infection of the mastoid process, which is located just behind the ear. This infection can lead to inflammation and accumulation of fluid, causing the area to become swollen, tender, and sometimes erythematous (red).

While pain in the ear is commonly associated with many ear-related conditions, the swelling specifically behind the ear is a key indicator of mastoiditis, as it highlights the involvement of the mastoid bone and surrounding soft tissues.

Additionally, hearing loss in the affected ear and drainage from the ear canal can also be symptoms, but they do not serve as definitive indicators of mastoiditis. The presence of swelling is particularly significant in this context, as it directly reflects the underlying pathophysiology of the condition and could indicate a more severe infection or complication that requires immediate medical attention.