The nurse is caring for a 5-year-old girl who is hospitalized following abdominal surgery. She develops a fever of 39.5 degrees Celsius, a sore throat, and a red, macular rash on her chest and abdomen. Her tonsils are inflamed and her tongue is red. Based on these findings, the nurse would follow the protocol for:
Explanation
•The symptoms of scarlet fever begin abruptly and include fever, sore throat, rash, and a bright red tongue.
•The rash appears 12 to 72 hours after the onset of a fever. The tonsils are inflamed and often covered with a white coating.
•Scarlet fever is caused by streptococcus pyogenes and most commonly affects children age 4-8 years.
Incorrect options:
•Diphtheria causes a purulent nasal discharge, a brassy cough, and bluish skin coloration.
•Pertussis causes Whooping Cough and vomiting.
•Mumps generally presents with painful swelling of the salivary glands.