Review Question - QID 210881

An 11-year-old boy presents to his pediatrician with his mother for a sore throat. His symptoms began approximately a few days ago after attending a birthday party with his friends. His symptoms are accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and a mild headache. He also has mild discomfort in his throat when eating food or drinking water. The patient denies rhinorrhea, conjunctivitis, cough, myalgias, or a rash. His temperature is 101°F (38.3°C), blood pressure is 117/68 mmHg, pulse is 90/min, respirations are 14/min, and oxygen saturation is 98% on room air. On physical exam, the patient has tender and enlarged anterior cervical lymph nodes. Upon oral inspection, there is pharyngeal inflammation and exudates with petechial lesions on the soft palate. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?