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: This statement is correct, as a fracture of an epiphyseal plate, which is a cartilage layer at the end of a long bone where growth occurs, can impair the normal growth and development of the bone. Depending on the type and severity of the fracture, the epiphyseal plate may close prematurely, stop growing, or grow unevenly, resulting in deformity, shortening, or angular deviation of the affected limb.

Choice B: This statement is incorrect, as a fracture of an epiphyseal plate does not necessarily disrupt the blood supply to the bone unless there is also damage to the periosteum, which is a membrane that covers and nourishes

the bone. A disruption of the blood supply to the bone can cause avascular necrosis, which is a condition that causes bone death due to lack of oxygen and nutrients.

Choice C: This statement is incorrect, as a fracture of an epiphyseal plate does not cause bone marrow loss through the fracture unless there is damage to the medullary cavity, which is a hollow space within the bone that contains bone marrow. Bone marrow loss through the fracture can cause bleeding, infection, or anemia.

Choice D: This statement is incorrect, as a fracture of an epiphyseal plate does not take longer to heal in younger children than in older children. In fact, younger children tend to heal faster than older children due to their higher metabolic rate, greater blood supply, and more active growth factors. The healing time of a fracture depends on various factors, such as the type and location of the fracture, the treatment method, and the presence of complications.