A nurse is teaching the parents of a 2-year old how to decrease risk of otitis media. Which intervention should be included in teaching?

A. Place child in a prone position for sleep: Prone sleeping increases the risk of airway obstruction and is not recommended due to its association with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It also does not prevent otitis media and may contribute to pooling of secretions near the Eustachian tubes. B. Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke: Exposure to tobacco smoke irritates the respiratory mucosa and impairs ciliary function, leading to increased mucus production and Eustachian tube dysfunction. This creates an environment conducive to fluid accumulation and bacterial growth, significantly increasing the risk of otitis media in young children. C. Bottle-feed the child while lying down: Feeding in a supine position allows milk to flow into the Eustachian tubes due to their short and horizontal orientation in toddlers. This promotes fluid stasis and increases the likelihood of middle ear infections. D. Use cotton swabs to clean ears daily: Using cotton swabs can push cerumen deeper into the ear canal and cause irritation or trauma. This disrupts the ear’s natural protective mechanisms and does not prevent otitis media, which primarily involves the middle ear rather than the external canal.