A nurse on a pediatric unit is caring for a toddler who has poor dietary intake. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A) Facial erythema:
Facial erythema is commonly seen in children with pertussis due to the intense coughing fits that are characteristic of the disease. The child may experience bursts of violent coughing, which can lead to a flushed appearance, especially in the face, due to increased pressure during coughing. This manifestation is a common and expected sign in children with pertussis.

B) Peeling of the hands and feet:
Peeling of the hands and feet is not a typical manifestation of pertussis. This is more commonly associated with conditions such as toxic shock syndrome or Kawasaki disease. Pertussis primarily presents with respiratory symptoms such as coughing and a characteristic "whooping" sound, not peeling skin.

C) Fever:
While a mild fever may occur in some children with pertussis, it is not the most prominent symptom. Pertussis is more often characterized by severe coughing fits, which can cause vomiting and a distinctive "whooping" sound, particularly during the paroxysmal stage. Fever is typically mild and not the hallmark of the disease.

D) Beefy, red tongue:
A beefy, red tongue is not a typical finding in pertussis. This symptom is more commonly seen in conditions such as scarlet fever or vitamin B12 deficiency. Pertussis primarily presents with respiratory symptoms like severe coughing and difficulty breathing, and does not typically affect the tongue in this manner.

A) "You owe it to your mother to take care of her now that she needs you.":
This response is not supportive and places unnecessary guilt on the son. Caregiving for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease is demanding, and expecting the son to provide care without considering his own needs is unrealistic. Guilt-tripping him may lead to burnout, as it does not acknowledge the emotional and physical strain of caregiving.
B) "You should think about placing your mother in a long-term care facility.":
While this may be a viable option for some families, this statement does not acknowledge the son’s emotional struggle or immediate need for support. Suggesting a long-term care facility may be premature without exploring other options and may cause the son to feel as though he is being pushed into a decision he is not ready to make.

C) "Let me give you some information about respite care for your mother.":
This is the most appropriate response. Respite care provides temporary relief for family caregivers, allowing them time to rest and recharge. It is a supportive approach that acknowledges the son’s exhaustion and provides him with a helpful resource. Respite care can alleviate caregiver burnout and help maintain the quality of care for the client.

D) "I think you should find other family members who could help your mother.":
While involving other family members can be helpful, this response does not provide immediate support or acknowledge the son’s current feelings of exhaustion. Suggesting that he simply find other family members may come across as dismissive of his current emotional state and may not offer the practical help he needs at this moment.