A 9-month-old boy has been stung on his tongue after sucking on a bottle that had a bee on the nipple. In comparison to the same
injury in an adult, why would an OEC Technician be more concerned over this child? (A) A child’s airway has more blood vessels than an adult’s, making bleeding more of a concern.
(B) Children tend to be highly allergic to bee stings, whereas the same allergy in adults is rare.
(C) A child’s tongue is proportionally larger, increasing the chances of airway occlusion from even minor swelling.
(D) When injured, a child’s mouth produces more saliva, mak
Answer: (C) A child’s tongue is proportionally larger, increasing the chances of airway occlusion from even minor swelling.
Explanation:
Children have smaller mouths, yet their tongues are proportionately large in their mouths compared to those of adults in their mouths. If it were to swell larger from a sting, it could obstruct the airway.
