Final answer:
The nurse would initially ask the mother if the child has complained of a sore throat within the past few months. Early diagnosis and treatment of strep throat can help prevent the development of rheumatic fever.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse would initially ask the mother of the child if the child has complained of a sore throat within the past few months. This question is important because rheumatic fever is often preceded by an untreated or inadequately treated streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat) infection. Early diagnosis and treatment of strep throat can help prevent the development of rheumatic fever.