A nurse is preparing a presentation for a group of nurses about human immunodeficiency virus infection. Which of the following would the nurse include as the major means of transmission responsible for almost all new HIV infections in the infant population?

A. Exposure to contaminated body fluid:

HIV can be transmitted through exposure to contaminated body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. However, in the context of infants, mother-to-child transmission is the primary mode of concern.

B. Mother-to-child transmission:

Mother-to-child transmission, also known as perinatal or vertical transmission, is the major means of HIV transmission in infants. It can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding when the virus is passed from an HIV-positive mother to her child.

C. Blood transfusions:

While HIV transmission through blood transfusions was a concern in the past, current blood screening and testing procedures have significantly reduced this risk. It is not a major means of transmission in the infant population.

D. Sharing of infected needles:

The sharing of infected needles is a risk factor for HIV transmission among individuals who use injection drugs. However, this mode of transmission is not relevant to infants, as they are not typically exposed to such risk factors.

A. Sore throat:

A sore throat is a common symptom of various respiratory tract infections, including acute epiglottitis. However, examining the throat with a tongue depressor is unlikely to directly precipitate a sore throat in this context.

B. Complete obstruction:

Examining the child's throat with a tongue depressor in acute epiglottitis can potentially trigger spasm or swelling of the already inflamed epiglottis, leading to a rapid and complete obstruction of the airway. This is a critical concern and is why healthcare providers approach suspected cases of epiglottitis with great caution.

C. Inspiratory stridor:

Inspiratory stridor (high-pitched sound during inhalation) is a common symptom of upper airway obstruction, including in conditions like acute epiglottitis. It may be present without manipulation, but using a tongue depressor in the throat could exacerbate this symptom.

D. Respiratory tract infection:

Acute epiglottitis is indeed a type of respiratory tract infection. However, examining the throat with a tongue depressor is not likely to directly precipitate a respiratory tract infection.