A nurse is caring for a child who was admitted with suspected rheumatic fever. The provider prescribes an antistreptolysin O (ASO) titer. The parent asks the nurse about the purpose of the test. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Choice A: This test will not indicate if the child has rheumatic fever, as rheumatic fever is a complication of an untreated or inadequately treated streptococcal infection that affects the heart, joints, skin, and brain. Rheumatic fever is diagnosed based on clinical criteria, such as carditis, polyarthritis, chorea, erythema marginatum, and subcutaneous nodules.

Choice B: This test will confirm if the child had a recent streptococcal infection, as antistreptolysin O (ASO) is an antibody that the body produces in response to streptococcal bacteria. A high ASO titer indicates that the child was exposed to streptococcal bacteria within the past few weeks. A streptococcal infection can cause pharyngitis, tonsillitis, scarlet fever, or impetigo.

Choice C: This test will not indicate if the child has a therapeutic blood level of an aminoglycoside, as an aminoglycoside is a type of antibiotic that is used to treat serious bacterial infections. A therapeutic blood level of an aminoglycoside means that the drug is effective and safe in the body. A therapeutic blood level of an aminoglycoside is measured by a peak and trough level.

Choice D: This test will not confirm if the child has immunity to streptococcal bacteria, as immunity to streptococcal bacteria means that the body can resist or fight the infection. Immunity to streptococcal bacteria can be acquired by natural exposure or vaccination. Immunity to streptococcal bacteria is measured by an antibody titer or a skin test.

Choice A: Improving the client's school attendance skills is not the priority goal for a child who has hemiplegic cerebral palsy, which is a condition that affects one side of the body and causes muscle weakness, spasticity, and impaired coordination. Improving the client's school attendance skills is a long-term goal that requires collaboration with the school staff, the child, and the parents. The priority goal for a child who has hemiplegic cerebral palsy is to ensure their safety and mobility at home.

Choice B: Providing teaching on self-care activities is not the priority goal for a child who has hemiplegic cerebral palsy, which is a condition that affects one side of the body and causes muscle weakness, spasticity, and impaired coordination. Providing teaching on self-care activities is an important goal that requires assessment of the child's abilities, needs, and preferences. The priority goal for a child who has hemiplegic cerebral palsy is to ensure their safety and mobility at home.

Choice C: Modifying the environment for optimal safety and mobility is the priority goal for a child who has hemiplegic cerebral palsy, which is a condition that affects one side of the body and causes muscle weakness, spasticity, and impaired coordination. Modifying the environment for optimal safety and mobility can prevent falls, injuries, or complications and promote independence and function. The nurse should include interventions such as removing clutter, securing rugs, installing grab bars, providing adaptive equipment, and arranging furniture.

Choice D: Providing counseling services for the parents is not the priority goal for a child who has hemiplegic cerebral palsy, which is a condition that affects one side of the body and causes muscle weakness, spasticity, and impaired coordination. Providing counseling services for the parents is a supportive goal that requires referral to appropriate resources, such as social workers, psychologists, or support groups. The priority goal for a child who has hemiplegic cerebral palsy is to ensure their safety and mobility at home.