The nurse is caring for a child with acute nasopharyngitis. Which information should the nurse include in teaching the parents about this health problem?

Choice A rationale Nasopharyngitis is caused by a virus, not bacteria. Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses and their use in this context promotes antibiotic resistance. The routine prescription of antibiotics for a viral infection is not evidence-based practice and is discouraged by public health authorities. Treatment is focused on symptom management, not eradication of the underlying virus. Choice B rationale A cough is a protective physiological reflex that helps to clear the respiratory tract of mucus and irritants. Suppressing a productive cough can lead to the retention of secretions in the lungs, increasing the risk of secondary bacterial infections like pneumonia. Therefore, a cough that accompanies a cold should not be suppressed unless it is non-productive and interfering with rest or other essential activities. Choice C rationale While a child with a cold may pull their ear, this is more indicative of otitis media, or a middle ear infection, which can be a complication of a cold. It is not a characteristic of the cold itself. Pulling the ear is a symptom of pressure and pain in the middle ear caused by fluid accumulation, which is a different medical issue requiring a distinct diagnosis and management. Choice D rationale This statement is inaccurate. Young children, especially those in daycare or preschool, have immature immune systems and are frequently exposed to new viruses. Consequently, it is common and normal for healthy children to experience multiple colds per year, often six to eight or more, as they build immunity to various viral strains.