The nurse is instructing the mother of an infant diagnosed with otitis media. The mother states, "Why is my child getting recurrent ear infections?" Which assessment question is best?

Question

A) "Do you cover the child's ears when going outdoors?"
B) "Do you administer the child's vitamins on a daily basis?"
C) "Do have other children with similar symptoms?"
D) "Do you allow the infant to hold or prop the bottle during feeding?"

Answer 1

D
Feedback:
Allowing the bottle to be held by the infant or propped by a towel, enables the formula to leak/drip from the child's mouth and flow to the ears where the formula can proceed down the eustachian tube, causing otitis media. It is a common practice to cover the child's ears and take daily vitamins. An ear infection is not typically a contagious disease process.