Question

A 7-year-old child is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever. In obtaining a health history from the child's mother, the recent occurrence of which illness is most significant? a. Chickenpox b. Mumps c. Sore throat d. Influenza

A. Chickenpox
B. Mumps
C. Sore throat
D. Influenza

Answer 1

A recent episode of sore throat is the most significant illness related to a child's diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever, as it is often caused by untreated or inadequately treated streptococcal pharyngitis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most significant recent illness for a child diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is sore throat. ARF is a nonsuppurative sequela that typically occurs in children about 2-3 weeks after an episode of untreated or inadequately treated pharyngitis caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes. Streptococcal pharyngitis, if not treated properly with antibiotics, can lead to ARF, which is a major cause of mortality in children where diagnosis and treatment are not readily available. Other illnesses such as chickenpox, mumps, and influenza are viral infections and are not directly related to the development of ARF.