The nurse is caring for a child with a fracture who is placed in skeletal traction. The nurse monitors for the most serious complication associated with this type of traction by checking for which?

A. Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (passive smoking) is a known risk factor for otitis media, as it can irritate the upper respiratory tract and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections, including those affecting the ears.

B. Excessive earwax buildup can sometimes contribute to ear discomfort or hearing problems but it is not a common cause of persistent otitis media. However, it's still important for the nurse to assess for any earwax issues as part of the overall assessment of the child's ear health.

C. Drinking water is generally beneficial for overall health but is not directly linked to otitis media unless there are specific concerns about hydration status or exposure to contaminated water sources.

D. Water entering the ears during bathing is not generally considered a significant risk factor for otitis media, but it can be associated with otitis externa, which is an infection of the outer ear canal.

A. Wheezing, which is a high-pitched whistling sound heard during expiration, is a common symptom of asthma. It occurs due to narrowed airways and airflow obstruction, often in response to triggers such as allergens, respiratory infections, or exercise.

B. Low-grade fever in the afternoon is not typically associated with asthma. Fever is more commonly seen in response to infections, such as respiratory infections, which can exacerbate asthma symptoms but is not a direct manifestation of asthma itself.

C. Without the complete statement, it is difficult to assess its relevance to asthma symptoms. However, an abrupt onset of symptoms, such as sudden shortness of breath or chest tightness, may occur during an asthma attack or exacerbation.

D. Sharp pleuritic pain is not a typical finding in asthma. Pleuritic pain, which is sharp and worsened by breathing, is more commonly associated with conditions affecting the pleura, such as pneumonia or pleurisy.