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 reason: This choice is incorrect because taking glyburide with breakfast is not recommended for an adolescent who has type 1 diabetes mellitus. Glyburide is an oral hypoglycemic medication that lowers blood glucose levels by stimulating insulin secretion from the pancreas. It may be used for clients who have type 2 diabetes mellitus, but it does not work for clients who have type 1 diabetes mellitus or DKA.

Choice B reason: This choice is correct because obtaining an influenza vaccine annually is recommended for an adolescent who has type 1 diabetes mellitus. The influenza vaccine is a vaccine that protects against influenza, a viral infection that affects the respiratory system. It may prevent or reduce the severity of influenza and its complications, such as pneumonia or sepsis. It is recommended for everyone who is 6 months or older, especially those who have chronic conditions such as diabetes mellitus that increase their risk of influenza-related complications.

Choice C reason: This choice is incorrect because administering glucagon for hyperglycemia is not indicated for an adolescent who has type 1 diabetes mellitus. Glucagon is a hormone that raises blood glucose levels by stimulating glycogen breakdown in the liver. It may be used for clients who have hypoglycemia, which is a condition in which blood glucose levels are lower than normal (less than 70 mg/dL). It may cause symptoms such as sweating, trembling, confusion, or loss of consciousness. However, in type 1 diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels) rather than hypoglycemia is more likely to occur due to insulin deficiency or resistance.

Choice D reason: This choice is incorrect because injecting insulin in the deltoid muscle is not an optimal method for an adolescent who has type 1 diabetes mellitus. Insulin is a hormone that lowers blood glucose levels by facilitating glucose uptake into the cells. It may be administered by injection or infusion, and it may vary in onset, peak, and duration of action. The preferred sites for insulin injection are the abdomen, the thighs, the buttocks, or the upper arms, as they have more subcutaneous fat and less muscle tissue. Injecting insulin into the deltoid muscle may cause faster absorption and shorter duration of action, which can affect blood glucose control and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

The correct answer is: c. Hold the infant’s chin to his chest and knees to his abdomen during the procedure.

Choice A: Apply a eutectic mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine cream topically 15 min prior to the procedure.

Applying a eutectic mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine (EMLA) cream can help reduce pain during procedures like lumbar punctures. However, it typically needs to be applied 30 to 60 minutes before the procedure to be effective. Applying it only 15 minutes prior would not provide adequate analgesia.

Choice B: Keep the infant NPO for 6 hr prior to the procedure.

Keeping an infant NPO (nothing by mouth) for 6 hours is generally recommended before procedures requiring sedation or anesthesia to reduce the risk of aspiration. However, lumbar punctures do not typically require such prolonged fasting, especially in infants, unless sedation is planned.

Choice C: Hold the infant’s chin to his chest and knees to his abdomen during the procedure.

This is the correct positioning for a lumbar puncture in infants. The infant should be held in a curled-up position, with the chin to the chest and knees to the abdomen, to maximize the space between the vertebrae and allow easier access to the lumbar region. This position helps to stabilize the infant and reduce movement during the procedure.

Choice D: Place the infant in an infant seat for 2 hr following the procedure.

Post-procedure care for a lumbar puncture typically involves monitoring the infant for any signs of complications, such as headache or infection. Placing the infant in an infant seat for 2 hours is not a standard recommendation. Instead, the infant should be observed and allowed to rest comfortably.