A parent comments that her infant has had several ear infections in the past few months. Why are infants more susceptible to otitis media?

A. This statement indicates that the mother understands the purpose of giving pancreatic enzymes to her child with cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis can cause pancreatic insufficiency, leading to difficulty digesting fats and other nutrients. Pancreatic enzymes help to supplement the deficient digestive enzymes, aiding in the digestion of fats and improving nutrient absorption.

B. Pancreatic enzyme capsules are typically meant to be swallowed whole, not chewed. Chewing the capsules could affect their effectiveness by prematurely releasing the enzymes in the mouth rather than in the stomach where they are needed for digestion.

C. While pancreatic enzymes can help with digestion and may indirectly reduce symptoms like nausea by improving nutrient absorption, their primary purpose is not to prevent nausea.

D. Pancreatic enzymes are usually taken with meals or snacks to aid in the digestion of food. The timing of pancreatic enzyme administration may vary depending on the child's eating schedule and the specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider, but taking them 2 hours before meals would not typically be recommended.

1. This aligns with general guidelines for managing bacterial conjunctivitis, which emphasize the importance of cleanliness and avoiding the sharing of personal items to contain the infection.

A. Bacterial conjunctivitis is highly contagious, and the child should not attend school until they have been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours and their symptoms are improving. Allowing the child to attend school before this time could lead to the spread of the infection to other children.

B. Crusted material around the eye should be gently wiped away using a clean cotton ball soaked in warm water. It's important to start wiping from the inner aspect of the eye and move toward the outer aspect to prevent spreading any infectious material into the eye.

D. Eye medications, especially antibiotics prescribed for bacterial conjunctivitis, should not be saved for future use or shared with others. Each individual should have their own prescribed medication to avoid the risk of improper dosing or spread of infection.