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: Iron deficiency anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough iron to produce hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in the blood. Toddlers who drink too much milk and eat too few solid foods may not get enough iron from their diet, as milk is a poor source of iron. Iron deficiency anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and increased susceptibility to infections.

Choice B: Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the body does not produce enough insulin or use it properly, resulting in high blood glucose levels. Toddlers who drink too much milk and eat too few solid foods are not at increased risk for diabetes mellitus, as milk does not contain glucose and does not affect insulin secretion or action.

Choice C: Obesity is a condition in which the body has excess fat that can impair health and increase the risk of chronic diseases. Toddlers who drink too much milk and eat too few solid foods may be at risk for obesity, as milk is high in calories and fat and can displace other nutritious foods from their diet. However, obesity is not a disorder but a risk factor for other disorders.

Choice D: Rickets is a condition in which the bones become soft and weak due to a lack of vitamin D or calcium. Toddlers who drink too much milk and eat too few solid foods are not at risk for rickets, as milk is a good source of vitamin D and calcium and can prevent rickets.

Choice A: This information is incorrect, as the first dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP) vaccine is usually given at 2 months of age, not 2 weeks. The DTaP vaccine protects against three serious bacterial diseases that can cause respiratory infections, nerve damage, or death. The DTaP vaccine is given in five doses at 2, 4, 6, 15 to 18 months, and 4 to 6 years of age.

Choice B: This information is correct, as the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine is usually given within 24 hours of birth or prior to discharge from the hospital. The hepatitis B vaccine protects against a viral infection that can cause liver inflammation, cirrhosis, or cancer. The hepatitis B vaccine is given in three doses at birth, 1 to 2 months, and 6 to 18 months of age.

Choice C: This information is incorrect, as the first dose of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine is usually given at 12 to 15 months of age, not 6 months. The MMR vaccine protects against three viral diseases that can cause fever, rash, swelling of glands, or complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, or deafness. The MMR vaccine is given in two doses at 12 to 15 months and 4 to 6 years of age.

Choice D: This information is incorrect, as the first dose of the pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13) vaccine is usually given at 2 months of age, not on the first birthday. The PCV13 vaccine protects against a bacterial infection that can cause pneumonia, meningitis, or sepsis. The PCV13 vaccine is given in four doses at 2, 4, 6, and 12 to 15 months of age.