A 7-year-old girl is complaining of sore throat for the last 2 days. Today, she has developed fever of 38.7 °C, which has been relieved by acetaminophen. On examination, she was fo... A 7-year-old girl is complaining of sore throat for the last 2 days. Today, she has developed fever of 38.7 °C, which has been relieved by acetaminophen. On examination, she was found to have tender anterior cervical adenopathy and pharyngeal and tonsillar exudate. The rest of her physical exam is unremarkable. Which of the following is best next step toward diagnosis?
Understand the Problem
The question describes a 7-year-old girl with symptoms suggestive of a throat infection, and asks for the best next diagnostic step. The key symptoms include sore throat, fever, tender anterior cervical adenopathy, and pharyngeal/tonsillar exudate. We need to determine the most appropriate test to identify the cause of the infection.
Answer
Perform a rapid strep test or throat culture to confirm the diagnosis of Group A Streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis.
Based on the search results and the patient's symptoms (sore throat, fever, tender anterior cervical adenopathy, and pharyngeal/tonsillar exudate), the most likely diagnosis is Group A Streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis, commonly known as strep throat. Therefore, the best next step is to perform a rapid strep test or throat culture to confirm the diagnosis.
Answer for screen readers
Based on the search results and the patient's symptoms (sore throat, fever, tender anterior cervical adenopathy, and pharyngeal/tonsillar exudate), the most likely diagnosis is Group A Streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis, commonly known as strep throat. Therefore, the best next step is to perform a rapid strep test or throat culture to confirm the diagnosis.
More Information
Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria. It is a common illness, especially in children and adolescents. Symptoms of strep throat include sore throat, fever, headache, and stomach pain.
Tips
A common mistake is to treat the patient with antibiotics without confirming the diagnosis of strep throat. Not all sore throats are caused by strep, and antibiotics are not effective against viral infections, which are a more common cause of sore throats.
Sources
- Sore Throat - Seattle Children's - seattlechildrens.org
- Sore throat in children - Symptom Checker - Mayo Clinic - mayoclinic.org
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