A nurse is caring for an 18-month-old toddler in the emergency department who has Kawasaki disease. The nurse reviews the toddler's medical record and assessment findings. Which of the following provider prescriptions should the nurse anticipate?

Choice A reason: Acidic odors are not a sign of a perforated appendix, but rather a possible indication of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is a condition that causes stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus¹.

Choice B reason: Sudden decrease in abdominal pain is a sign of a perforated appendix, which is a serious complication of acute appendicitis. When the appendix ruptures, the pressure inside the abdomen is released, causing a temporary relief of pain. However, this is followed by severe inflammation and infection of the peritoneum, which is the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity². This can lead to sepsis, shock, and death if not treated promptly.

Choice C reason: Narrow fever is not a term that is commonly used in medicine. Fever is a general sign of infection or inflammation, and it can be present in both acute appendicitis and perforated appendix. However, fever alone is not a reliable indicator of the severity or location of the problem³.

Choice D reason: Rigid abdomen is a sign of peritonitis, which is a possible consequence of a perforated appendix. Peritonitis causes the abdominal muscles to contract and become stiff, making the abdomen hard and tender to touch². However, rigidity can also occur in other conditions that cause intra-abdominal inflammation, such as pancreatitis or cholecystitis⁴.

Choice E reason: Nausea is a common symptom of acute appendicitis, but it is not specific to a perforated appendix. Nausea can be caused by irritation of the stomach or the nerves that control vomiting. It can also occur in other gastrointestinal disorders, such as gastritis or gastroenteritis⁵.

Choice A reason: Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is the main treatment for Kawasaki disease, as it reduces the inflammation of the blood vessels and the risk of coronary artery aneurysms. IVIG is given as a single infusion over 10 to 12 hours, within the first 10 days of the onset of fever.

Choice B reason: Aspirin is also used to treat Kawasaki disease, as it reduces the fever, pain, and inflammation. However, it is not the first-line treatment, and it is given after IVIG to prevent thrombosis and platelet aggregation. Aspirin is given at a high dose during the acute phase, and then at a low dose until the inflammation subsides.

Choice C reason: Penicillin is not indicated for Kawasaki disease, as it is an antibiotic that treats bacterial infections. Kawasaki disease is not caused by bacteria, but by an unknown trigger that activates the immune system and causes systemic vasculitis.

Choice D reason: Acetaminophen is not effective for Kawasaki disease, as it does not reduce the inflammation or the risk of complications. Acetaminophen may be used to treat mild pain or fever, but it is not the main treatment. Moreover, acetaminophen may mask the fever and delay the diagnosis of Kawasaki disease.