The nurse performs an assessment of a child with pertussis (whooping cough). Which finding would the nurse identify as indicative of a potential complication?

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. "Has the child had any difficulty swallowing food?"
Explanation:
One potential long-term effect of cleft palate repair is difficulty with swallowing or feeding. Cleft palate repair aims to improve the child's ability to eat and speak, but some children may continue to face challenges with swallowing or have a history of difficulty feeding.
B. "Does the child play with an imaginary friend?"
Explanation: Imaginary play is not specifically related to the long-term effects of cleft palate repair. This question does not provide information about the physical outcomes of the surgical repair.
C. "Does the child respond when called by name?"
Explanation: Responsiveness to being called by name is a general developmental question but does not specifically address the long-term effects of cleft palate repair.
D. "Was the child recently treated for pneumonia?"
Explanation: While respiratory issues can be associated with cleft palate, this question focuses on a recent event rather than the long-term effects. Asking about difficulty swallowing or feeding may provide more information about ongoing concerns related to the cleft palate repair.