A toddler has had recurrent respiratory infections. The mother of the child expresses concern that her infant seems to be at increased risk for complications from respiratory infections in comparison with her older children. The best response from the nurse would be:
A)"You are incorrect in your assessment."
B)"The younger child's airways are smaller and more easily occluded."
C)"Air passages are more likely to become blocked with mucus because younger children make more mucus than older children."
D)"Toddlers do not breathe as deeply as do older children."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Younger children have smaller airways, which makes them more easily occluded during respiratory infections. This puts them at increased risk for complications such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis.

A Toddler Has Had Recurrent Respiratory Infections