Prediction of streptococcal pharyngitis: an option for school nurses?

In this article the authors address the dilemma confronting school nurses in determining whether or not to counsel parents about seeking medical care for a child with a sore throat. The use of a clinical scorecard in the school setting as an aid in predicting streptococcal pharyngitis is investigated. The authors conclude that the only valid solution to the dilemma is the availability of the throat culture to schools. Using the culture as an additional assessment tool augments those already proven over time--the stethoscope, scoliosis and vision screening, and the otoscope.