Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

To decrease the incidence of ear infections in a 10-month-old with otitis media, what should be prioritized?

1. Ensure that she is cradled and fed in a horizontal position

2. Ensure that she receives the pneumococcal vaccine series

3. Eliminate the use of the pacifier

4. Rinse her mouth with water after each feeding

The correct answer is: Ensure that she receives the pneumococcal vaccine series

Prioritizing the administration of the pneumococcal vaccine series is crucial in reducing the incidence of ear infections in a 10-month-old child. Otitis media, particularly in young children, is often caused by bacterial pathogens, with Streptococcus pneumoniae being one of the most common culprits. The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect against infections caused by strains of pneumonia bacteria that can lead to ear infections. By ensuring that the child is vaccinated, the risk of developing otitis media decreases significantly, contributing to overall better ear health. Understanding the context of other options provides further clarity. Feeding a child in a horizontal position can actually increase the risk of ear infections by allowing fluid to flow back into the eustachian tubes. While eliminating the pacifier can have some benefits, its elimination is not as directly linked to preventing ear infections as vaccination is. Rinsing the mouth with water after feeding may contribute to oral hygiene, but it does not significantly impact the risk of otitis media. Therefore, the prioritization of the pneumococcal vaccine is the most effective strategy for decreasing ear infections in this age group.