A nurse is educating parents about risk factors for otitis media.
Which of the following factors mentioned in the text as risk factors for otitis media is most closely associated with an increased exposure to infectious agents?
"Age".
"Season".
"Allergies".
"Day care attendance".
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Age alone is not a risk factor for otitis media.
However, certain age groups, such as young children, are more susceptible to ear infections due to their developing immune systems and shorter Eustachian tubes.
Choice B rationale:
Season is not a direct risk factor for otitis media.
While certain respiratory infections might be more common in specific seasons, otitis media itself is not strongly influenced by seasonal changes.
Choice C rationale:
Allergies can contribute to ear infections, but they are not the most closely associated risk factor mentioned in the context.
Allergies can lead to inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear, making individuals more prone to infections.
However, in the given options, day care attendance is a more specific risk factor related to exposure to infectious agents.
Choice D rationale:
Day care attendance is closely associated with an increased exposure to infectious agents, including the bacteria that can cause otitis media.
Children in day care settings are in close contact with others, facilitating the spread of infections.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The child reporting severe, throbbing ear pain is more indicative of acute otitis media (AOM) rather than otitis media with effusion (OME).
Severe pain is a common symptom of an active infection in the middle ear.
Choice B rationale:
Pus observed draining from the ear canal is a sign of acute otitis media (AOM).
Drainage indicates a ruptured eardrum, allowing the infected fluid to escape, relieving pressure and pain.
Choice C rationale:
Hearing loss that is mild to moderate is characteristic of otitis media with effusion (OME).
OME occurs when fluid remains trapped in the middle ear after the infection has resolved.
The presence of fluid can affect hearing, especially at lower frequencies, leading to mild to moderate hearing loss.
Choice D rationale:
The eardrum appearing red and bulging is a typical finding in acute otitis media (AOM), not otitis media with effusion (OME).
In AOM, the eardrum becomes red due to inflammation and bulges due to increased pressure from fluid buildup.
Correct Answer is ["A"]
Explanation
"Difficulty locating sounds or following directions.”.
Choice A rationale:
Difficulty locating sounds or following directions is a common sign of hearing loss in children with otitis media.
Hearing loss can affect a child's ability to hear and process sounds, leading to problems in locating the source of sounds or following instructions.
This manifestation is indicative of conductive hearing loss, which is commonly associated with otitis media.
Children may have trouble understanding speech, especially in noisy environments.
Choice B rationale:
Ringing or buzzing sound in the ear, also known as tinnitus, is not a typical manifestation of hearing loss in otitis media.
Tinnitus can occur due to various reasons, but it is not a specific indicator of hearing loss associated with otitis media.
Choice C rationale:
Severe, pulsating ear pain is a symptom of acute otitis media, but it is not directly indicative of hearing loss.
Ear pain is caused by the buildup of fluid and pressure in the middle ear, leading to discomfort and pain.
However, it does not necessarily mean the child has hearing loss.
Choice D rationale:
Vertigo and nystagmus are symptoms associated with inner ear disorders, such as vestibular labyrinthitis or Meniere's disease, but they are not typical manifestations of hearing loss in otitis media.
These symptoms involve problems with balance and coordination and are not directly related to hearing loss.
Choice E rationale:
Inconsolable crying due to discomfort is a general symptom that can occur in children with various illnesses, including otitis media.
While it indicates the child is in pain or discomfort, it is not a specific sign of hearing loss.
Children may cry due to ear pain, but this symptom alone does not confirm hearing loss.
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