For a child with viral pharyngitis, which action is NOT appropriate?

For a child with viral pharyngitis, which action is NOT appropriate?

• A. Use a cool mist vaporizer
• B. Offer a soft-to-liquid diet
• C. Administer amoxicillin
• D. Administer acetaminophen

Answer: (C)

Viral pharyngitis is managed with supportive care rather than antibiotics. The goal is to relieve symptoms while the illness runs its course. A cool mist vaporizer helps moisturize airways and ease throat irritation. A soft-to-liquid diet reduces pain when swallowing and supports adequate hydration. Acetaminophen provides fever and throat pain relief. Administering amoxicillin is not appropriate because antibiotics target bacteria, not viruses; giving an antibiotic for a viral infection offers no benefit and can cause adverse effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance. If bacterial pharyngitis were suspected, testing would guide antibiotic use rather than prescribing it routinely.

Viral pharyngitis is managed with supportive care rather than antibiotics. The goal is to relieve symptoms while the illness runs its course. A cool mist vaporizer helps moisturize airways and ease throat irritation. A soft-to-liquid diet reduces pain when swallowing and supports adequate hydration. Acetaminophen provides fever and throat pain relief. Administering amoxicillin is not appropriate because antibiotics target bacteria, not viruses; giving an antibiotic for a viral infection offers no benefit and can cause adverse effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance. If bacterial pharyngitis were suspected, testing would guide antibiotic use rather than prescribing it routinely.