A nurse is assisting with the admission of a child who has pertussis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. "I'll give him acetaminophen for the pain.": Acetaminophen is used for pain relief and fever reduction but does not address disease transmission. It does not prevent the spread of the streptococcal infection.

B. "I'll discard his toothbrush and buy another.": This is crucial because the streptococcal bacteria can remain on the toothbrush, leading to potential reinfection or spreading the bacteria to others. Replacing the toothbrush after starting antibiotics helps to reduce the risk of reinfection.

C. "I'll continue to encourage him to drink lots of fluids.": Staying hydrated is important for recovery, but it does not prevent the transmission of the infection.

D. "I'll take his temperature every 4 hours.": Monitoring temperature helps track the child’s condition but does not prevent the spread of the infection.

Increased seizure activity

• Finding: Phenytoin level

The child's phenytoin level is 6 mcg/mL, which is below the therapeutic range of 10-20 mcg/mL. Subtherapeutic levels of phenytoin mean the medication is not providing adequate seizure control, increasing the risk of more seizures. The recent seizure history and the low drug level indicate a direct correlation between insufficient phenytoin levels and increased seizure activity.

Pneumonia

• Finding: Cough

A harsh, non-productive cough that worsens with activity and at night can be indicative of respiratory conditions, including asthma exacerbations. However, in the context of this child's history and symptoms, there is no evidence of a productive cough, fever, or other signs of infection that would typically suggest pneumonia. Hence, pneumonia is not the primary concern.

Liver failure

• Finding: Skin rash

Liver failure is usually associated with jaundice, elevated liver enzymes, and systemic symptoms like fatigue or confusion. The child’s liver function tests are within normal ranges, and there are no signs of jaundice or systemic illness. The skin rash is more likely related to eczema or a possible drug reaction rather than indicating liver failure.

Steven-Johnson syndrome

• Finding: Liver enzymes

Steven-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a severe skin reaction typically triggered by medications, including anticonvulsants. Elevated liver enzymes can be seen in SJS, but the child’s liver enzymes are within normal ranges. The rash described does not match the characteristics of SJS, which typically presents with widespread, painful, blistering rashes, not localized eczema patches. Therefore, SJS is unlikely in this scenario.

Pneumothorax

• Finding: Lung sounds

A pneumothorax would usually present with decreased breath sounds, possibly on one side, along with signs of respiratory distress such as tachypnea and cyanosis. The child has slight end expiratory wheezes but normal respiratory rates and oxygen saturation, which suggests asthma rather than pneumothorax. Therefore, pneumothorax is not a primary concern here.