Which vaccine is now recommended for the immunization of all newborns?

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.

The correct answer is choice B. A feeling of fullness in the ear.

Choice A rationale:

Nausea and vomiting are not typical symptoms of chronic otitis media with effusion (OME). OME involves fluid accumulation in the middle ear without signs of acute infection. It is commonly seen in children and may cause mild hearing impairment and a feeling of fullness in the ear.

Choice B rationale:

A feeling of fullness in the ear is a common symptom of OME. The fluid accumulation in the middle ear can lead to a sensation of pressure or fullness, as well as mild hearing loss. This can impact a child's ability to hear and communicate effectively.

Choice C rationale:

Severe pain in the ear is more characteristic of acute otitis media (AOM), which is an infection of the middle ear with signs of inflammation. In OME, pain is typically not a prominent symptom unless there is an underlying AOM episode.

Choice D rationale:

Fever as high as 40°C (104°F) is not a typical symptom of OME. OME is generally a chronic condition without acute signs of infection such as fever. However, if a fever is present, it might indicate a concurrent infection that needs further evaluation.