Table 3 Nurse treatment protocol for patients with sore throat

Symptoms for more than 7 days

Temperature >40°C or >38°C for more than 3 days

Presence of asthma or chronic pulmonary obstructive disease

Shortness of breath

Abnormal lung auscultation

Cardiac disease

Diabetes mellitus

Ear pain

Chest pain

Lesions in the mouth or pharyngeal cavity or pharyngeal deformity suggestive of peritonsilar abscess

Lack of improvement in patients with previous treatment

Altered general condition

Local lymph nodes without pharyngeal exudate

Pregnancy or lactation

Anticoagulation therapy

Immunosuppressive therapy

1. Hygiene recommendations: increased fluid intake, no smoking, warm lemon water gargles, refrain from excess of carbohydrates.

2. Paracetamol 500/1,000 mg tid or ibuprofen 400/600 mg tid. In patients with intolerance to NSAIDs, renal or cardiac failure, hypertension, ulcer disease, age >65 yr or allergy to NSAIDs, paracetamol should be given.

3. If fever and pharyngeal exudates are present penicil.lin or fenoximethylpenicillin 500 mg bid for 8–10 days or amoxicillin 500 mg tid for 7 days. Erithromycin 500 mg qid for 8–10 days in patients with known allergy to penicillin.