The nurse is providing education to parents about preventing otitis media recurrence in their infant. Which instruction should the nurse include?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A rationale Positioning the infant prone after feeding is not recommended as it can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and does not specifically prevent otitis media. Choice B rationale While breastfeeding has many health benefits, it is not specifically linked to the prevention of otitis media recurrence. Choice C rationale Avoiding smoke exposure is a key recommendation for preventing otitis media recurrence in infants. Secondhand smoke can irritate the eustachian tubes and contribute to fluid build-up in the middle ear, increasing the risk of otitis media. Choice D rationale Inspecting the infant’s ears daily is not a specific recommendation for preventing otitis media recurrence. While regular check-ups can help detect any issues early, they do not prevent the recurrence of otitis media.