A nurse is providing discharge instructions to the parent of a 10-year-old child following a cardiac catheterization. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Choice A reason: This test measures the level of antibodies that the body produces against the streptolysin O enzyme, which is produced by some strains of streptococcal bacteria. A high level of ASO titer indicates that the child had a recent streptococcal infection, which may trigger rheumatic fever in some cases.

Choice B reason: This test does not directly indicate if the child has rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is a complication of untreated or inadequately treated streptococcal infection, which causes inflammation of the heart, joints, skin, and brain. The diagnosis of rheumatic fever is based on clinical criteria, such as the presence of carditis, polyarthritis, chorea, erythema marginatum, or subcutaneous nodules.

Choice C reason: This test does not confirm if the child has immunity to streptococcal bacteria. Immunity is the ability of the body to resist or fight off an infection. A high level of ASO titer does not mean that the child is immune to streptococcal bacteria, but rather that the child was exposed to them recently.

Choice D reason: This test does not indicate if the child has a therapeutic blood level of an aminoglycoside. Aminoglycosides are a class of antibiotics that are used to treat serious bacterial infections, such as endocarditis or septicemia. The blood level of an aminoglycoside is measured by a different test, called a peak and trough level, which determines the effectiveness and safety of the drug.

Choice A reason: Acetaminophen suppository is not a likely prescription, as it is used to reduce fever and pain, which are not the main problems of the toddler. The toddler has a high axillary temperature of 39.5°C (103.1°F), which is not considered a fever in children under 2 years old. The normal axillary temperature range for children is 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F).

Choice B reason: Oral rehydration solution is not a probable prescription, as it is used to prevent or treat dehydration caused by diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive sweating, which are not the main problems of the toddler. The toddler has a normal respiratory rate of 22/min and oxygen saturation of 98%, which indicate adequate hydration and oxygenation.

Choice C reason: Nebulized albuterol is a possible prescription, as it is used to treat bronchospasm, which is a common complication of respiratory infections in children. The toddler has a high apical heart rate of 142/min, which may indicate respiratory distress or hypoxia. The toddler is also pulling at his ear, which may indicate an ear infection or pain.

Choice D reason: Intravenous antibiotics are not a likely prescription, as they are used to treat bacterial infections, which are not the main problems of the toddler. The toddler has no signs or symptoms of a bacterial infection, such as purulent discharge, foul odor, or localized inflammation. The toddler may have a viral infection, which does not respond to antibiotics.