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

A. Peeling of the hands and feet: Desquamation of the hands and feet is commonly associated with conditions such as Kawasaki disease or scarlet fever during the healing phase. It is not a typical manifestation of pertussis. B. Koplik spots: Koplik spots are small white lesions on the buccal mucosa that are characteristic of measles. They are not seen in pertussis and point toward a different viral illness. C. Paroxysmal cough: Pertussis is characterized by severe, repetitive coughing spells that occur in rapid succession. These paroxysmal coughs may be followed by a high-pitched inspiratory “whoop” and can lead to vomiting or exhaustion. D. Beefy, red tongue: A beefy red tongue is commonly associated with scarlet fever or other streptococcal infections. It is not a defining feature of pertussis.