What are the common signs and symptoms of acute otitis media (AOM) in children? How would you assess and manage a child with AOM? - The common signs and symptoms of AOM include ear pain, fever, irritability, decreased hearing, ear tugging, and otorrhea. To assess a child with AOM, you would use an otoscope to examine the tympanic membrane for signs of inflammation, such as redness, bulging, or perforation. You would also ask about the onset, duration, and severity of the symptoms, and any history of recurrent or chronic ear infections. To manage a child with AOM, you would administer analgesics and antipyretics for pain and fever relief, and prescribe antibiotics if indicated by the severity of the infection or the age of the child. You would also educate the parents on how to prevent AOM, such as avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke, bottle feeding in upright position, and immunizing the child against pneumococcal and influenza viruses. - Rationale: AOM is a common bacterial or viral infection of the middle ear that affects children more than adults due to their shorter and more horizontal eustachian tubes. It can cause complications such as hearing loss, mastoiditis, or meningitis if left untreated. Therefore, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of AOM, and provide appropriate assessment and management. What are the risk factors and protective factors for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)? How would you counsel a parent on how to reduce the risk of SIDS? - The risk factors for SIDS include maternal smoking during pregnancy or after birth, prone or side sleeping position, soft bedding or overheating, prematurity or low birth weight, male sex, black or Native American race, and family history of SIDS. The protective factors for SIDS include breastfeeding, pacifier use, immunization, room sharing without bed sharing, and firm mattress with fitted sheet. To counsel a parent on how to reduce the risk of SIDS, you would advise them to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations on safe sleep practices, such as placing the infant on their back on a firm surface, avoiding soft objects or loose bedding in the crib, keeping the room at a comfortable temperature, and avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke or alcohol. - Rationale: SIDS is the leading cause of death in infants between 1 month and 1 year of age in the United States. It is defined as the sudden and unexplained death of an apparently healthy infant during sleep. The exact cause of SIDS is unknown, but it is believed to be related to a combination of genetic, environmental, and physiological factors that affect the infant's ability