A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a parent of a child who has acute group A ẞ-hemolytic streptococci. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. Keep the child home from school for at least 1 week: The child should stay home for at least 24 hours after starting antibiotics, not 1 week, to prevent spreading the infection.

B. Intramuscular injections will be required monthly: This is incorrect. Monthly intramuscular injections of penicillin are used for prophylaxis to prevent rheumatic fever, not for the treatment of acute group A β-hemolytic streptococcal infections.

C. Avoid the use of warm compresses around the head or neck: Warm compresses are not contraindicated for sore throats associated with group A strep infections unless there is an abscess or specific complication. This statement is not relevant.

D. Replace the child's toothbrush after 24 hours of taking antibiotics: The toothbrush should be replaced after 24 hours to prevent re-infection, as the child may still have bacteria in their mouth that can reintroduce the infection.

A. Check for iodine or shellfish allergies prior to the procedure: Cardiac catheterization often involves the use of a contrast dye that contains iodine. If the child has an allergy to iodine or shellfish, there is an increased risk of an allergic reaction to the dye.

B. Place an NPO status for 12 hours prior to the procedure: NPO status typically is required for a few hours before a procedure involving anesthesia or sedation, but not necessarily for 12 hours. The specific time frame should be determined by the healthcare provider.

C. Elevate the affected extremity following the procedure: After cardiac catheterization, the affected extremity should typically be kept straight and immobilized to prevent bleeding or hematoma formation. Elevating the extremity may not be advisable.

D. Limit fluid intake following the procedure: After cardiac catheterization, the child should be encouraged to drink fluids to help flush the contrast dye from their system, unless contraindicated by other factors.