The nurse is caring for a child who experiences frequent ear infections.The child's mother wants to know why this is occurring.Which anatomical differences in the pediatric patient increase the risk for otitis media?
A) Impaired drainage
B) Longer, thinner eustachian tubes
C) Shorter, horizontal eustachian tubes
D) Typical lying-down position of infants
E) Underdeveloped cartilage lining

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The following factors lead to otitis media in children: the eustachian tubes are short,wide,and straight and lie in a horizontal plane; the cartilage lining is undeveloped,making the tubes more distensible; the normally abundant pharyngeal lymphoid tissue readily obstructs the eustachian tube openings in the nasopharynx; immature humoral defense mechanisms increase the risk of infections; and the lying-down position of infants favors the pooling of fluid,such as formula,in the pharyngeal cavity.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Child Who Experiences Frequent