A nurse is caring for a child who is suspected of having pertussis. The nurse should recognize that the pathophysiology of pertussis includes which of the following? (Select All that Apply.)

A. Pertussis, or whooping cough, primarily affects the respiratory tract, particularly the trachea and bronchi, not just the nostrils. B. Pertussis is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, making this statement incorrect as the infection is bacterial, not viral. C. The toxins released by Bordetella pertussis damage the cilia of epithelial cells in the respiratory tract, leading to difficulty in clearing secretions. D. The inflammation of the lungs and airways is a characteristic response to the infection, contributing to the symptoms of coughing and difficulty breathing. E. The production of thick, mucus secretions is a hallmark of pertussis, which makes it challenging for the child to expel them, leading to severe coughing fits.