A nurse is assisting with the collection of a bone marrow specimen from a preschooler. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale:
Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a skin rash characterized by raised, red, and itchy welts that can vary in size and shape. It is a classic manifestation of an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions can occur in response to medications like clindamycin. Urticaria is a result of histamine release and can range from mild to severe, with itching being a prominent symptom. The appearance of urticaria in a child taking clindamycin suggests a potential allergic reaction to the medication.
Choice B rationale:
Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and lines the inner surface of the eyelids. While conjunctivitis can be associated with allergies, it is not a typical sign of an allergic reaction to clindamycin. Conjunctivitis is more commonly associated with eye irritation, redness, and discharge.
Choice C rationale:
A temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) alone is not a definitive sign of an allergic reaction to medication. Fever can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, inflammatory processes, and other non-allergic reactions. While fever can be a symptom of an allergic reaction in some cases, it is not as specific as urticaria in indicating an allergic response.
Choice D rationale:
Cool extremities are not a classic sign of an allergic reaction to medication. Allergic reactions typically involve skin manifestations like hives, itching, and redness. Cool extremities might suggest poor peripheral circulation or decreased blood flow to the extremities, but they are not directly indicative of an allergic reaction to clindamycin.

Choice A rationale:
Decreased white blood cells (WBCs) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) would not support the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. In bacterial meningitis, the presence of bacteria triggers an inflammatory response, leading to an increase in WBCs in the CSF (pleocytosis).
Choice B rationale:
Elevated glucose levels in CSF would actually be more consistent with viral rather than bacterial meningitis. In bacterial meningitis, glucose levels are typically decreased due to the high metabolic demands of bacteria on the glucose present in the CSF.
Choice C rationale:
Elevated total protein in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is indicative of inflammation and disruption of the blood-brain barrier. Bacterial meningitis causes an intense inflammatory response, leading to an increase in total protein in the CSF.
Choice D rationale:
Decreased pressure in the CSF would not be a characteristic finding in bacterial meningitis. In fact, bacterial meningitis often leads to an increase in CSF pressure due to the inflammation and accumulation of inflammatory cells and proteins.