Question

You are caring for a patient with the following diagnosis Rheumatic fever Utilize your textbook to learn about this diagnosis. You will be responsible for "reporting the following information to your fellow classmates at the end of our lab today.

Answer 1

Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease stemming from an autoimmune response to Streptococcus pyogenes, following inadequately treated strep throat or scarlet fever. It predominantly affects children and can lead to rheumatic heart disease, with symptoms including fever, joint pain, and heart murmurs due to valvular disorders.

Step-by-step explanation:

Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can develop as a complication of inadequately treated streptococcal pharyngitis or scarlet fever. It is caused by an autoimmune response to the presence of Streptococcus pyogenes. This condition primarily affects children and can lead to rheumatic heart disease, which is one of the most severe long-term outcomes, affecting the circulatory system due to valve damage. Acute rheumatic fever is characterized by symptoms like fever, joint pain and swelling, and in some cases, a characteristic heart murmur due to valvular disorders caused by carditis.

While joint pain and swelling can be reversible, heart valve damage tends to be irreversible and can become more severe with recurrent episodes. Patients with a history of rheumatic fever who contract another S. pyogenes infection are at high risk for repeated occurrences, further jeopardizing cardiac function. Health professionals may look for acute-phase proteins and other signs to diagnose and manage the disease.