A school-age child has fever of 104°F, sore throat, vomiting and malaise. The primary care pediatric nurse practitioner observes that the tonsils, oropharynx, and palate are erythematous and covered with exudate; the tongue is coated and red; and there is a red, sandpaper-like rash on the child's neck, trunk, and extremities. A rapid strep test is positive. What will the nurse practitioner do to manage this child's illness?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The child has symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngitis, or strep throat, which is typically treated with antibiotics. Amoxicillin is the recommended first-line treatment for strep throat in children. Intramuscular ceftriaxone may be used in rare cases of severe allergy to penicillin, or if the child cannot tolerate oral antibiotics, but this is not the first choice of treatment. Hospitalization and referral to a specialist are not indicated for the management of uncomplicated strep throat.

A School-Age Child Has Fever of 104°F, Sore Throat, Vomiting