The emergency department (ED) nurse is educating a new nurse about the causes of bacterial pharyngitis in children. Which of the following is the most common cause of bacterial pharyngitis?
The emergency department (ED) nurse is educating a new nurse about the causes of bacterial pharyngitis in children. Which of the following is the most common cause of bacterial pharyngitis?
A. Group A beta hemolytic streptococcus
[39%]
B. Candida glabrata
[6%]
C. Group B Streptococcus
[53%]
D. Neisseria meningitidis
[2%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Child Health
Lesson
Infectious Disease
Client Need
Test Plan
Physiological Adaptation
Related Topic
Pathophysiology
Item Type
Item Type
Knowledge/Comprehension
Explanation
Choice A is correct. Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus is the most common cause of bacterial pharyngitis.
Choice B is incorrect. Candida glabrata is a fungus and may be responsible for infections such as thrush. This is not a cause of bacterial pharyngitis.
Choice C is incorrect. Group B Streptococcus is a type of bacteria sometimes found in a pregnant woman's vagina or rectum; this bacterium does not cause pharyngitis.
Choice D is incorrect. Neisseria meningitidis is a gram-negative bacterium that causes meningococcal diseases such as meningitis; this bacterium does not cause pharyngitis.
Additional Info
✓ Bacterial pharyngitis is most commonly caused by group A Streptococcus (GAS)
✓ Clinical manifestations have an abrupt onset and include fever, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which may accompany the sore throat
✓ Point-of-care testing for GAS pharyngitis is available. However, certain tests have better reliability than others
✓ Treatment includes symptomatic care, including acetaminophen and plenty of cool, noncaffeinated liquids
✓ The infection can be successfully treated with amoxicillin, azithromycin, or cephalexin
