After teaching a group of parents about ear infections in ...

[Yolanda]

After teaching a group of parents about ear infections in children, which statement indicates that the teaching was successful?
 
  A) Infants with congenital deformities are at greater risk for ear infections.
  B) Ear infections increase as the child gets older.
  C) An infant's Eustachian tubes are shorter and wider, increasing the risk.
  D) The fact that adenoids shrink as the child grows will allow more bacteria to enter.

Question 2

The nurse is examining a 3-year-old boy with acute otitis media. He has a mild earache and a temperature of 38.5 degrees C. Which action would be most appropriate?
 
  A) Obtain a culture of the middle ear fluid.
  B) Advise the parents to watch for worsening of symptoms.
  C) Administer antibiotics.
  D) Administer antivirals.

[ririgirl15]

Answer to Question 1

C
Response:
The infant has relatively short, wide, horizontally placed Eustachian tubes, allowing bacteria and viruses to gain access to the middle ear and resulting in an increased number of infections as compared to adults. Congenital deformities of the ear are associated with other body system anomalies, but not necessarily an increase in ear infections. As the child matures, the Eustachian tubes assume a more slanted position, so older children and adults have fewer infections. A child's adenoids are often enlarged, leading to obstruction of the Eustachian tubes and infection.

Answer to Question 2

B
Response:
In this case, the child should be continually observed. If the symptoms persist or become worse, antibiotics will be prescribed. This clinical practice guideline was developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Family Physicians in order to avoid overusing antibiotics or obtaining a middle ear fluid culture with every occurrence of acute otitis media.

[Yolanda]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[juliaf]

TYSM