The nurse observes a mother administering ferrous sulfate (iron drops) to her 11-month-old child, followed by 2 ounces (60 mL) of orange juice.

What should be the nurse’s subsequent action?

Choice A rationale
The initial phase of treatment for a school-age child with left femoral osteomyelitis involves ensuring no weight-bearing on the affected extremity. This is crucial because weight bearing can exacerbate the condition and cause further damage to the bone. The child should be encouraged to rest and avoid activities that put pressure on the affected limb. This measure, combined with appropriate antibiotic therapy, helps to control the infection and prevent complications.
Choice B rationale
Administering topical antibiotic therapy daily is not typically the primary mode of treatment for osteomyelitis. Osteomyelitis is a deep bone infection, and topical antibiotics may not reach the site of infection effectively. Instead, systemic antibiotics are usually administered intravenously, especially in the initial phase of treatment.
Choice C rationale
Scheduling ice pack applications to the infected area is not a standard treatment for osteomyelitis. While ice packs can help reduce inflammation and pain in some conditions, they are not typically used in the management of osteomyelitis. The primary treatment for osteomyelitis is antibiotic therapy.
Choice D rationale
Providing a passive range of motion exercises is not typically part of the initial phase of treatment for osteomyelitis. While physical therapy and exercises can be beneficial in the recovery phase to restore function and mobility, they are not usually recommended in the initial phase when the infection is active and the bone is inflamed.

Choice A rationale
Chickenpox is a viral infection that can cause a fever and rash. However, it is not typically associated with the development of acute rheumatic fever. Acute rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can develop when strep throat or scarlet fever isn’t properly treated.
Choice B rationale
Mumps is a viral infection that causes swelling of the salivary glands. Like chickenpox, it is not typically associated with the development of acute rheumatic fever.
Choice C rationale
A recent history of sore throat is significant because acute rheumatic fever can develop as a complication of an untreated strep throat infection. Strep throat is caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria, which can trigger an immune response leading to rheumatic fever if not treated properly.
Choice D rationale
Influenza, or the flu, is a viral infection that can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, cough, and body aches. However, it is not typically associated with the development of acute rheumatic fever.