Which information should the nurse provide the parent of a child diagnosed with nasopharyngitis?

• A. Complete the entire prescription of antibiotics.
• B. Avoid sending the child to day care.
• C. Use comfort measures for the child.
• D. Restrict the child to clear liquids for 24 hours.

Answer: (C)

Nasopharyngitis in children is typically viral, so the focus is on symptomatic, supportive care to keep the child comfortable while the illness runs its course. The best information to give parents is how to manage symptoms at home rather than using antibiotics. Comfort measures—such as saline nasal drops, gentle nasal suctioning, and using a cool-mist humidifier—help relieve nasal congestion and make it easier for the child to sleep and eat. Regular fluids and rest support recovery, and medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used for fever or discomfort as directed by age-appropriate dosing.

Antibiotics should not be prescribed for a viral upper respiratory infection because they do not shorten the illness and can cause side effects. Regarding daycare, children with nasopharyngitis are not automatically kept home; they can usually return when they are fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine and feel well enough to participate in normal activities. Seek medical care if warning signs appear—persistent high fever, increasing trouble breathing, dehydration, or symptoms worsening after several days—to rule out bacterial infection or other complications.