What is the recommended treatment for a 15-year-old female with a sore throat presenting with fever, exudates on the tonsils, and cervical lymphadenopathy?

In cases of a sore throat with fever, tonsillar exudates, and cervical lymphadenopathy, these symptoms are highly suggestive of bacterial pharyngitis, often caused by Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes). The first-line treatment for this condition is the initiation of antibiotics, which helps reduce the duration and severity of symptoms, prevent complications such as rheumatic fever, and decrease the likelihood of transmission to others.

Starting antibiotics promptly is beneficial since the clinical presentation strongly indicates a bacterial infection rather than a viral one. While throat cultures can confirm the diagnosis, empirically treating with antibiotics is justified when there are classic symptoms of streptococcal infection, especially in a patient who is in a high-risk category, such as this 15-year-old female.

While supportive treatment and monitoring might be appropriate in viral cases or less severe presentations, the clear indication of bacterial infection in this scenario necessitates antibiotic therapy as the definitive treatment. Thus, initiating antibiotics is the most appropriate and evidence-based action for this patient's condition.