A 7-month-old with mild nasal symptoms is under your care. Which nursing care management is appropriate?

• A. Strict bedrest.
• B. Avoiding contact with family members.
• C. Instilling saline nose drops and bulb suctioning.
• D. Keeping the head of the bed flat.

Answer: (C)

In infants, clearing nasal passages is essential because they breathe mostly through the nose and can have feeding and breathing trouble with a blocked nose. Saline nose drops help loosen and soften the mucus, making it easier to remove. Using a bulb syringe to gently suction each nostril then clears the airway so the baby can breathe and feed more easily. The technique is simple: tilt the infant slightly, place the dropper tip inside a nostril, release the bulb to suction, then remove and wipe away the mucus before repeating on the other side. Elevating the head slightly during care can help drainage, and it’s best to avoid keeping the baby flat or insisting on bedrest for mild nasal symptoms. Isolation from family isn’t needed for a regular cold, and the priority here is relieving congestion with saline drops and suctioning.