A nurse is caring for a client who complains that he feels as though his ear is blocked and tells the nurse that he has a history of cerumen impaction in the external ear. The nurse, inspecting the ears for cerumen impaction, checks for which finding?

Choice A Reason: Swollen, painful joints are not a sign of Lyme disease in the early stage, but they may occur in the late stage, which can take months or years to develop.

Choice B Reason: An expanding circular rash, also known as erythema migrans, is a sign of Lyme disease in the early stage, which usually appears within 3 to 30 days after the tick bite. The rash may have a bull's-eye appearance and can spread up to 12 inches in diameter.

Choice C Reason: Decreased level of consciousness is not a sign of Lyme disease, but it may indicate other serious conditions such as meningitis, encephalitis, or stroke.

Choice D Reason: Necrosis at the site of the bite is not a sign of Lyme disease, but it may indicate a brown recluse spider bite, which can cause tissue damage and ulceration.

Choice A Reason: Ketoacidosis is not likely to be the complication that the nurse should suspect, as it is caused by high blood glucose levels and results in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fruity breath, and deep breathing.

Choice B Reason: Hyperglycemia is not likely to be the complication that the nurse should suspect, as it is caused by high blood glucose levels and results in symptoms such as thirst, polyuria, blurred vision, dry skin, and fatigue.

Choice C Reason: Nephropathy is not likely to be the complication that the nurse should suspect, as it is a chronic kidney disease that develops over time due to diabetes and results in symptoms such as proteinuria, edema, hypertension, and anemia.

Choice D Reason: Hypoglycemia is likely to be the complication that the nurse should suspect, as it is caused by low blood glucose levels and results in symptoms such as sweating, tachycardia, lightheadedness, shakiness, hunger, and confusion.