Why are infants more susceptible to otitis media?

Choice A reason: Abdominal assessment is less critical in RA and Sjögren syndrome, as these conditions primarily affect joints and exocrine glands, respectively. Gastrointestinal issues may occur with RA medications (e.g., NSAIDs), but they are not the primary concern compared to ocular complications.
Choice B reason: Oxygen saturation is not directly impacted by RA or Sjögren syndrome unless secondary complications like interstitial lung disease (rare in RA) are present. It is less relevant than ocular assessments for Sjögren syndrome’s hallmark dry eye complications.
Choice C reason: Breath sounds may be assessed in RA for rare pulmonary complications, but Sjögren syndrome primarily causes sicca symptoms (dry eyes and mouth). Respiratory issues are not the primary concern, making this less critical than ocular assessment.
Choice D reason: Sjögren syndrome causes reduced tear production, leading to dry eyes, which can result in corneal damage, infections, or vision loss. Assessing visual acuity is critical to detect early ocular complications, making it the most important assessment for this client’s condition.

Choice A reason: A supine or prone position may allow milk or secretions to pool, but this is not the primary reason for otitis media susceptibility. Positioning contributes indirectly by facilitating fluid reflux, but anatomical factors are more significant in infants.
Choice B reason: Sucking on a nipple does not significantly create middle ear pressure. While bottle-feeding in a supine position may allow fluid reflux into the eustachian tube, this is secondary to the anatomical structure of the tube itself.
Choice C reason: Infants are prone to upper respiratory infections due to immature immunity, which can lead to otitis media. However, this is a contributing factor, not the primary anatomical reason, as infections exploit the eustachian tube’s structure to cause middle ear inflammation.
Choice D reason: Infants’ eustachian tubes are shorter, straighter, and wider than in adults, allowing easier passage of bacteria from the nasopharynx to the middle ear. This anatomical feature impairs drainage and ventilation, increasing susceptibility to fluid accumulation and infection, making it the primary cause.