The pediatric nurse explains to the parents of a 1-year-old patient with pneumonia that the differences between the adult's and child's respiratory system affect function and subsequent respiratory conditions.Which difference does the nurse include in the discussion with the patient's parents?
A) Infants are obligate nose breathers until 6 months of age.
B) The epiglottis in the child under 8 is shorter and more rigid.
C) The larynx and the glottis are higher in the younger child's neck.
D) In the child, there are more functional muscles in the neck and less soft tissue.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Until about age 4 weeks,infants are obligate nose breathers and do not open their mouths to breathe.The epiglottis in the younger (usually age 8 years and younger)child is longer and flaccid (floppy),which makes it more susceptible to swelling.The larynx and the glottis are higher in the younger child's neck,which makes the child more prone to aspiration.There are fewer functional muscles in the neck,and the increased amount of soft tissue makes the younger child more susceptible to infection and edema.

The Pediatric Nurse Explains to the Parents of a 1-Year-Old