A child with a positive group A streptococcal throat culture… | MyMerci
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Medication AdministrationPPT
Question
A child with a positive group A streptococcal throat culture is prescribed oral penicillin V for 10 days. Which statement by the parent shows correct understanding of the discharge teaching?
1"I will stop the penicillin when the fever resolves and save the remaining doses for a future sore throat."
2"I will give penicillin for the full 10 days and keep my child home until afebrile and 12 to 24 hours after treatment begins."✓ Correct answer
3"I will combine two scheduled doses if school activities interfere and return my child to class after the first dose."
4"I will repeat the antibiotic whenever a sore throat occurs, even if a streptococcal test has not been performed."
Explanation
Confirmed group A streptococcal pharyngitis requires the prescribed antibiotic course. Oral penicillin V is given for 10 days to eradicate the organism and reduce complications. The child should be afebrile and have received appropriate antibiotics for at least 12 to 24 hours before returning to school. Doses are not combined, leftover antibiotics are not saved, and future sore throats require evaluation rather than unsupervised retreatment.
Clinical reasoning Symptoms can improve before group A streptococci are eradicated. Ending penicillin early or reusing leftover medication undermines treatment and does not establish the cause of a later sore throat.
Decision rule Complete the prescribed 10-day oral penicillin regimen, administer doses on schedule, and follow the afebrile plus 12-to-24-hour treatment threshold before school return.
Key concepts
Group A streptococcal pharyngitis — An acute throat infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes and confirmed with a rapid antigen test or throat culture.
Penicillin V adherence — Completion of the prescribed 10-day oral regimen without stopping early, combining doses, or saving medication.