Final answer:
The priority nursing intervention for a patient with acute rheumatic fever is to manage inflammation and prevent cardiac damage. This includes rest, antimicrobial therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and, once inflammation subsides, cautious active range-of-motion exercises.
Step-by-step explanation:
The priority nursing intervention for a patient during the acute phase of rheumatic fever focuses on managing inflammation and preventing further damage to the tissues, particularly the heart valves. As part of the treatment and management plan, ensuring the patient rests to decrease the heart’s workload and reduce inflammation is crucial. This rest period is followed by a gradual return to activity, guided by clinical assessment and the patient's tolerance.
Administering appropriate antimicrobial therapy to eradicate the underlying streptococcal infection is also vital. This is coupled with the administration of anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin or corticosteroids, to manage inflammation. While active range-of-motion exercises are important, they are cautiously implemented once the acute inflammation subsides to prevent exacerbating the joint pain or potential damage to the heart valves.
It is essential to monitor acute-phase proteins and other clinical signs to track the progress of the disease and tailor the interventions accordingly, ensuring the best possible outcomes for the patient.