A nurse is collecting data from a child who has pertussis. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?

Choice A reason: Facial erythema is not a hallmark of pertussis, caused by Bordetella pertussis. It may occur in scarlet fever from Streptococcus, but pertussis features paroxysmal coughing and whooping, not facial redness, making this uncharacteristic of the respiratory infection’s typical presentation.Choice B reason: Peeling of hands and feet is typical of Kawasaki disease or scarlet fever post-streptococcal infection, not pertussis. Pertussis affects the respiratory tract, causing mucus buildup and coughing, not dermatologic desquamation, which is unrelated to its bacterial pathogenesis.Choice C reason: Fever is expected in pertussis as the body mounts an immune response to Bordetella pertussis, elevating temperature to fight infection. Though not always high, it accompanies the catarrhal phase, reflecting systemic inflammation, a common sign in respiratory bacterial infections.Choice D reason: Beefy, red tongue is a feature of scarlet fever or vitamin deficiencies, not pertussis. Pertussis targets the respiratory system, causing coughing and whooping, not oral mucosal changes, making this unrelated to its pathophysiology, focusing on airway irritation.