A 7-year-old child presents to the emergency department with a sore throat, low-grade fever, and a thick, gray membrane covering their tonsils and throat. The parent reports that the child was not vaccinated due to personal beliefs. Which of the following actions is most appropriate for the nurse to take first?
Start intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Administer diphtheria antitoxin immediately.
Quarantine the patient and notify public health authorities.
Administering diphtheria antitoxin is the most appropriate first action because it neutralizes the diphtheria toxin, which is responsible for the systemic effects of the disease. Starting antibiotics is necessary but secondary to antitoxin administration. Performing a throat culture is essential for confirmation but does not address the immediate need to neutralize the toxin. Quarantine is important, but the first medical response should focus on treatment.
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BCEN CEN
Environment and Toxicology Emergencies, and Communicable Diseases
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