An 18monthold child who developed upper respiratory symptoms 1 day prior is
brought to the clinic with a high fever, chills, muscle pains, and a dry, hacking cough. A rapid influenza test is negative and a viral culture is pending. What will the primary care pediatric nurse practitioner do?

Question

An 18­month­old child who developed upper respiratory symptoms 1 day prior is
brought to the clinic with a high fever, chills, muscle pains, and a dry, hacking cough. A rapid influenza test is negative and a viral culture is pending. What will the primary care pediatric nurse practitioner do?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The child's presentation is consistent with influenza despite the negative rapid test, and treatment with oseltamivir should be started empirically while awaiting viral culture results. Hospitalization is not necessary unless the child's condition deteriorates. Rimantadine is not recommended for use in children under 10 years old. Waiting for cultures to determine treatment would delay potentially effective treatment for the child.

An 18­month­old Child Who Developed Upper Respiratory Symptoms 1 Day

An 18monthold Child Who Developed Upper Respiratory Symptoms 1 Day