Final answer:
The initial clinical presentation of rheumatic fever involves acute symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and joint pain. Rheumatic fever is a sequela of streptococcal pharyngitis and can lead to complications like arthritis and carditis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The initial clinical presentation of a patient admitted to a US hospital with rheumatic fever would typically involve acute symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and joint pain. Rheumatic fever is a sequela of streptococcal pharyngitis, and it can lead to complications like arthritis and carditis. The diagnosis of rheumatic fever is based on a combination of clinical findings, such as the presence of certain signs and symptoms, as well as laboratory tests.