Question

A 4-year-old with suspected rheumatic fever is admitted to the pediatric unit. When obtaining the client's history, the nurse considers which information is most important.

a. A recent episode of pharyngitis
b. Lack of interest in food
c. Vomiting for 2 days
d. A fever that started 3 days ago

Answer 1

The most important information to consider for a child with suspected rheumatic fever is a recent episode of pharyngitis, as it can precede rheumatic fever and lead to serious heart damage.

Step-by-step explanation:

When obtaining the history of a 4-year-old with suspected rheumatic fever, the most important information to consider is a. A recent episode of pharyngitis. Rheumatic fever is a non-suppurative sequela that occurs primarily in children, typically manifesting 2-3 weeks after an episode of untreated or inadequately treated pharyngitis caused by specific rheumatogenic strains of S. pyogenes. This bacterium can trigger an autoimmune response, where patient antibodies mistakenly attack cardiac, neuronal, and synovial tissues due to molecular mimicry between the bacterial surface proteins and similar proteins found in these human tissues. Acute rheumatic fever may lead to serious consequences, including rheumatic heart disease, which can damage heart valves and result in a lifelong health burden.