What specific physical exam findings support these differential diagnoses?

Using your course and textbook readings and the South University Online Library, perform research on the following:

  • Assessment, diagnostic testing, and management of infectious conditions in a pediatric patient
  • Differential diagnoses for presentation of symptoms involving infectious diseases in pediatric patients

After completing your research, consider this scenario:

An eighteen-month-old child, well-known to your practice, presents with a seven-day history of fever ranging from 101 to 104.7 degrees Fahrenheit. On the fourth day of the fever, the emergency department had performed the following tests:

  • A blood and urine culture
  • A complete blood count
  • A comprehensive metabolic panel

The culture reports were found to be negative.

Today, the vitals of the child are the following:

  • Temperature: 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Heart rate: 120 beats/minute
  • Respiratory rate: 20 breaths/minute
  • Blood pressure: 90/40

Physical examination of the child indicates the following positive findings:

  • Injected conjunctiva
  • Palmar redness
  • Magenta-colored lips
  • Red macula
  • Excoriating rashes in the diaper area

On the basis of the above information, respond to the following:

  • What will be your differential diagnoses for this patient?
  • What specific physical exam findings support these differential diagnoses?
  • Of the differential diagnoses you listed, which would be the most concerning?
  • What additional diagnostic tests will you recommend? Why?
  • What would be your focus for caregiver education?
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