A nurse is caring for a child who has been admitted with a severe sore throat.
The child’s mother reports that the child has been having difficulty swallowing and has had a fever.
Upon examination, the nurse notes that the child’s tonsils are red and swollen, with white patches visible.
The child also has enlarged lymph nodes in the neck.
Which of the following statements by the mother indicates a need for further teaching?

Choice A rationale:

Erythromycin is an antibiotic that does not primarily target inflammation and swelling in the tonsils.

Its mechanism of action involves inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, thereby preventing the growth and spread of the bacterial infection causing tonsillitis.

Choice B rationale:

Erythromycin is used to treat bacterial infections by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria.

It is effective against a wide range of bacterial strains and can be prescribed for various infections, including tonsillitis, caused by susceptible bacteria.

Choice C rationale:

Erythromycin does not provide symptomatic relief from throat pain and discomfort directly.

While it addresses the underlying bacterial infection, it does not have analgesic properties to relieve pain.

Pain relief measures, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, are typically prescribed for managing throat pain associated with tonsillitis.

Choice D rationale:

Erythromycin does not prevent dehydration by encouraging fluid intake.

While staying hydrated is essential during illness, the role of erythromycin is to target the bacterial infection, not to promote fluid intake.

Choice A rationale:

The client's symptoms, including sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, red and swollen tonsils with white patches, enlarged lymph nodes, bad breath, headache, and abdominal pain, indicate possible tonsillitis, which is often caused by a bacterial infection.

Rest and increased fluid intake are essential components of the care plan for tonsillitis.

Adequate rest helps the body fight the infection, and increased fluid intake helps prevent dehydration, especially if swallowing is painful.

This choice demonstrates the client's understanding of self-care measures to promote recovery.

Choice B rationale:

Continuing to smoke can worsen the irritation of the throat and prolong the healing process.

Smoking irritates the mucous membranes, making it difficult for the throat to heal.

It can also exacerbate the symptoms and delay recovery.

Choice C rationale:

Tonsillitis caused by bacteria often requires antibiotics to clear the infection completely.

Taking antibiotics only when in pain might lead to incomplete eradication of the bacteria, resulting in a recurrence of the infection or complications.

It is essential to take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by the healthcare provider.

Choice D rationale:

Going to work when experiencing symptoms of tonsillitis not only jeopardizes the client's health but also puts coworkers at risk of contracting the infection.

Resting at home and avoiding contact with others can prevent the spread of the illness.