A school-age child has an abrupt onset of sore throat, nausea, headache, and a temperature of 102.3°F. An examination reveals petechiae on the soft palate, beefy-red tonsils with yellow exudate, and a scarlatiniform rash. A Rapid Antigen Detection Test (RADT) is negative. What is the next step in management for this child?

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The presentation of sore throat, beefy-red tonsils, yellow exudate, petechiae on the soft palate, and scarlatiniform rash are highly suggestive of acute streptococcal pharyngitis, also known as "strep throat." While the RADT is negative, the sensitivity of this test is not 100%, and a throat culture should be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment with antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, is indicated for confirmed streptococcal pharyngitis. However, sexual abuse is not related to the presentation and anti-streptococcal antibody titers are not routinely used in the diagnosis or management of acute streptococcal pharyngitis.

A School-Age Child Has an Abrupt Onset of Sore Throat