When palpating the child's cervical lymph nodes, the nurse notes that they are tender, enlarged, and warm. The best explanation for this is:.

The correct answer is choice A, E.

Choice A rationale:

Using an air conditioner is an effective way to reduce exposure to pollens and dust. Air conditioners filter the air and help prevent outdoor allergens from entering the indoor environment. This choice is correct because it addresses one of the primary sources of exposure to allergens.

Choice B rationale:

Keeping humidity in the house above 60% is not a recommended approach. High humidity can promote the growth of mold and dust mites, which can exacerbate allergies. Maintaining humidity levels between 30-50% is generally recommended for reducing allergen exposure.

Choice C rationale:

Keeping pets outside might seem like a logical option to reduce allergen exposure; however, pet allergens can still be carried indoors on clothing and shoes. Moreover, if individuals are not allergic to pet dander, keeping the pets inside may not pose an issue.

Choice D rationale:

Replacing wall-to-wall carpeting with wood and tile floors is a good strategy for reducing allergen exposure. Carpets can trap dust, pollen, and other allergens, while hard surfaces are easier to clean and do not accumulate allergens as readily. This choice is correct because it addresses a common source of indoor allergens.

Choice E rationale:

Putting dust-proof covers on pillows and mattresses is another effective strategy for reducing allergen exposure. These covers create a barrier that prevents dust mites and their allergens from permeating the sleeping environment. This choice is correct because it directly addresses the issue of dust mite allergens.

The correct answer is choice C. Asthma.

Choice A rationale:

A foreign body in the trachea can cause acute respiratory distress and a sudden cough, but it is unlikely to cause chronic nonproductive cough and diffuse wheezing during the expiratory phase of respiration. The symptoms in the scenario are more suggestive of a chronic condition.

Choice B rationale:

Bronchiolitis primarily affects infants and young children, causing symptoms such as fever, rhinorrhea, and wheezing. While wheezing can be present, the diffuse wheezing during the expiratory phase described in the scenario is more characteristic of asthma.

Choice C rationale:

Asthma is characterized by chronic inflammation of the airways, leading to episodes of bronchoconstriction and increased airway reactivity. The chronic, nonproductive cough and diffuse wheezing during the expiratory phase are classic signs of asthma. Expiratory phase wheezing occurs due to the narrowing of the smaller airways during expiration.

Choice D rationale:

Pneumonia is an infection of the lung tissue and can cause productive cough, fever, and crackles on auscultation. While wheezing might occur in pneumonia due to inflammation and narrowing of the airways, it's not the most likely cause of the symptoms described in the scenario.