When assessing a child with otitis media, what aspect should the nurse evaluate related to fever?

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.

"I have a high fever, and I'm shivering.”.

Choice A rationale:

"I have a high fever, and I'm shivering.”.

A high fever with chills indicates a systemic response to infection, which can be seen in severe cases of otitis media.

Fever is a common symptom and can indicate a spreading or worsening infection.

Shivering (rigors) often accompanies a high fever and suggests a significant inflammatory response in the body.

Choice B rationale:

"I feel warm, but I'm not sweating.”.

Feeling warm without sweating may indicate a low-grade fever, which can occur in various infections, including otitis media.

However, this statement does not provide information about the severity of the fever or the child's overall condition.

Choice C rationale:

"I'm sweating a lot, and I'm very tired.”.

Sweating and fatigue can be symptoms of various illnesses, including infections.

Sweating, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like fever, can indicate a fever breaking, but it does not specifically provide information about the severity of the infection or its relationship to otitis media.

Choice D rationale:

"I don't have a fever at all.”.

The absence of fever is not consistent with acute otitis media.

Fever is a common systemic response to infection and inflammation.

In the context of otitis media, the presence of fever indicates a more severe or active infection.