Certified Pediatric Nurse Exam Practice 2026 – Complete Study Resource

Young children are more likely to experience ear infections due to the anatomical structure and positioning of their Eustachian tubes. In infants and young children, the Eustachian tubes are positioned more horizontally compared to older children and adults. This horizontal orientation makes it easier for pathogens from the nasopharynx to reach the middle ear, leading to infections. Furthermore, the shorter length of the tubes also contributes to their susceptibility, as it allows bacteria and viruses to travel more easily from the throat to the ear.

It's important to note that as children grow, their Eustachian tubes gradually become longer and more angled, which helps reduce the risk of infections by allowing better drainage of the middle ear. The other options, while they may mention important factors related to infant anatomy and health, do not specifically address the primary reason for the increased incidence of ear infections in young children compared to older children.