An infant with a diagnosis of hydrocephalus is scheduled for surgery. Which is the priority nursing intervention in the preoperative period?

A. "This test will confirm if your child had a recent streptococcal infection."
Explanation:
The anti-streptolysin O (ASO) titer is a blood test used to detect the presence of antibodies against streptolysin O, a toxin produced by group A Streptococcus bacteria. A rise in ASO titers indicates a recent streptococcal infection. It does not confirm rheumatic fever directly but helps in identifying a recent streptococcal infection, which is a predisposing factor for rheumatic fever.
B. "This test will indicate if your child has rheumatic fever."
Explanation: While a positive ASO titer may suggest a recent streptococcal infection, it does not directly indicate rheumatic fever. The diagnosis of rheumatic fever involves a combination of clinical criteria, including evidence of a recent streptococcal infection, along with specific signs and symptoms.
C. "This test will confirm if your child has immunity to streptococcal bacteria."
Explanation: The ASO titer does not measure immunity to streptococcal bacteria. It specifically detects antibodies produced in response to a recent streptococcal infection.
D. "This test will indicate if your child has a therapeutic blood level of an aminoglycoside."
Explanation: The ASO titer is not used to monitor therapeutic blood levels of aminoglycosides. It is specific to detecting antibodies related to streptococcal infections and is not related to aminoglycoside therapy.

A. Cracked lips:
Incorrect: While red, cracked lips are part of the mucous membrane changes seen in Kawasaki disease, they are not specific to the acute stage. Mucous membrane changes can occur in both the acute and subacute stages.
B. Desquamation of the skin:
Incorrect: Desquamation, or peeling of the skin, is more characteristic of the subacute or convalescent stages of Kawasaki disease, particularly on the fingers and toes.
C. Normal appearance:
Incorrect: In the acute stage, the child with Kawasaki disease typically exhibits signs of illness, including fever and other clinical manifestations. A "normal appearance" would not be expected in the acute stage.
D. Conjunctival hyperemia.
Explanation: Conjunctival hyperemia, or redness of the eyes, is a common clinical manifestation of the acute stage of Kawasaki disease. Other typical signs and symptoms during this stage include fever, mucous membrane changes (such as red, cracked lips), changes in the extremities, rash, and cervical lymphadenopathy.