A child with strep throat is prescribed a 10-day course of penicillin. Which statement best describes what the nurse should tell the family?

• A. Your child will recover in a few days without any intervention.
• B. Your child will need to be admitted for IV antibiotics.
• C. Your child will need oral penicillin for 10 days and should complete the course.
• D. Your child will have the tonsils removed to prevent future infections.

Answer: (C)

Treating strep throat with antibiotics aims to eradicate the infection and prevent complications like rheumatic fever. A 10-day course of oral penicillin is the standard treatment for most children. The key point is to complete the entire 10 days even if symptoms improve quickly. Finishing the full course ensures the bacteria are fully cleared and reduces the risk of relapse or late complications.

This approach isn't about needing IV antibiotics or procedures like tonsil removal for a one-time infection. IV antibiotics are reserved for children who cannot take pills or have more severe illness, not for typical strep throat treated with oral penicillin. Tonsillectomy isn’t a routine preventive measure after a single episode of strep throat. And while children often feel better within a day or two, untreated strep throat can lead to serious problems, so skipping part of the course isn’t advised.

If there are allergy concerns or side effects, or if symptoms worsen or don’t improve after a couple of days, contact the clinician.