The nurse is caring for a 2-year-old with acute otitis media. Which of the following instructions for reducing the risk for developing otitis media should be included in the teaching plan for this child's parents?

Explanation

• Acute otitis media generally follows a respiratory infection. To reduce the risk of developing otitis media, it is important to avoid contact with people who have upper respiratory infections.

• Inflammation of the middle ear is the most prevalent disease of childhood after respiratory infections.

Incorrect options:

• The supine position is not recommended for feeding. There is a higher incidence of acute otitis media in formula-fed infants than in those who are breastfed in part because of the more supine position that formula-fed infants are held in while feeding. This allows milk to enter the Eustachian tube.

• Most cases of acute otitis media are caused by bacteria, not a virus, and are treated with antibiotics such as amoxicillin. If the infection is viral, antivirals are reserved for severe cases only.

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