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

D. Tugging or pulling on the affected ear lobe is a classic sign of otitis media in infants. The discomfort or pain caused by inflammation and pressure in the middle ear may lead the infant to tug or rub the affected ear in an attempt to alleviate discomfort.

A. Bluish-green discharge from the ear canal is not a typical finding in otitis media. Otitis media is characterized by inflammation and fluid accumulation in the middle ear, which may not result in discharge unless there is a secondary bacterial infection or perforation of the eardrum.

B. An increase in appetite is not a typical finding in otitis media. In fact, many children with otitis media may experience a decrease in appetite due to discomfort, pain, and difficulty swallowing or chewing.

C. Erythema (redness) and edema (swelling) of the affected auricle (outer ear) are not typically associated with otitis media. Otitis media primarily affects the middle ear, where inflammation and fluid accumulation occur behind the eardrum.

A. Kawasaki disease is a systemic vasculitis that predominantly affects medium-sized arteries, including the coronary arteries of the heart. The inflammation of the blood vessels can lead to coronary artery aneurysms and other cardiovascular complications if not promptly treated.

B. The respiratory system is not primarily affected by Kawasaki disease. While Kawasaki disease is a systemic illness that can cause fever and inflammation, it primarily affects the cardiovascular system, with inflammation of blood vessels, particularly the coronary arteries.

C. The integumentary system (skin, hair, nails) is not primarily affected by Kawasaki disease. Although some children with Kawasaki disease may develop a rash, particularly in the acute phase of the illness, skin involvement is not the primary feature of the disease.

D. Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea, can occur in Kawasaki disease but they are not the primary focus of the disease. Kawasaki disease primarily affects the cardiovascular system, leading to inflammation of blood vessels and potential complications such as coronary artery aneurysms.