A 3-year-old child is diagnosed with otitis media.
What is a key sign the nurse might expect the caregiver to report?

Choice A rationale

Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection characterized by honey-crusted sores, often around the nose and mouth. While it can cause itching, the linear arrangement of papules is not typical of impetigo.

Choice B rationale

Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp, causing scaly, itchy patches and potential hair loss. It does not typically present as linear papules on the skin.

Choice C rationale

Scabies is an infestation caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, which burrows under the skin, laying eggs and causing intense itching, often worse at night. The characteristic lesions are small, erythematous papules that frequently appear in linear patterns due to the mite burrowing. Close contact in crowded environments like daycare facilitates transmission.

Choice D rationale

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the deeper layers of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, characterized by redness, warmth, swelling, and pain. It does not typically present as small, linear papules. .

Choice A rationale

Asking if the child has eaten recently is important for understanding potential causes of elevated blood glucose and to consider the timing of insulin administration relative to meals. However, it does not directly ensure the medication being administered is correct for the right patient.

Choice B rationale

Verifying the child's identity using at least two identifiers and comparing the medication order to the prescription ensures that the right medication, dose, route, and time are being administered to the correct patient. This is a critical step in preventing medication errors and ensuring patient safety, especially with a high-risk medication like insulin.

Choice C rationale

Ensuring the child is comfortable and relaxed is beneficial for the child's overall well-being and can indirectly influence physiological parameters. However, it does not directly address the critical step of verifying the medication and patient identity before administration.

Choice D rationale

Preparing insulin without checking the expiration date is a medication error. Expired medications may have reduced potency or altered chemical properties, potentially leading to ineffective treatment or adverse effects. Checking the expiration date is a fundamental safety check.