A child with secondary enuresis who reports of dysuria or urgency should be evaluated for what condition? (Select all that apply.)

The correct answer is Choice D: Refer children with sore throats for throat cultures.

Choice A rationale:

Recommending salicylates instead of acetaminophen for minor discomforts is not relevant to the prevention of rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is primarily associated with untreated streptococcal infections, particularly streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat), which can lead to complications such as rheumatic fever if left untreated. The choice of pain relievers like salicylates or acetaminophen doesn't play a significant role in preventing rheumatic fever.

Choice B rationale:

Encouraging routine cholesterol screenings is not relevant to the prevention of rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is an immune-mediated inflammatory response to certain strains of Streptococcus bacteria, particularly Streptococcus pyogenes. Cholesterol screenings are more related to assessing cardiovascular risk and are not directly linked to preventing rheumatic fever.

Choice C rationale:

Conducting routine blood pressure screenings is not directly related to the prevention of rheumatic fever. Blood pressure screenings are important for identifying hypertension and other cardiovascular risk factors, but they do not have a direct impact on preventing rheumatic fever, which is primarily a complication of untreated streptococcal infections.

Choice D rationale:

Refer children with sore throats for throat cultures. This is the correct choice. Rheumatic fever often develops as a result of untreated streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat). Throat cultures are crucial for diagnosing streptococcal infections and determining the appropriate course of treatment with antibiotics. By identifying and treating streptococcal infections promptly, the risk of developing rheumatic fever can be significantly reduced.

Choice A rationale:

Increased appetite is a common side effect of corticosteroid therapy. Corticosteroids are known to affect various metabolic processes, and one of the effects is an increase in appetite. This can lead to weight gain, especially when the increased calorie intake is not balanced by physical activity.

Choice B rationale:

Fever is not a typical side effect of corticosteroid therapy. Corticosteroids are often used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response, which can help in managing conditions like autoimmune diseases, allergies, and inflammatory disorders. Fever is not a direct result of corticosteroid administration.

Choice C rationale:

Weight loss is not a common side effect of corticosteroid therapy. In fact, corticosteroids are more likely to cause weight gain due to their influence on appetite, metabolism, and fluid retention.

Choice D rationale:

Hypertension (high blood pressure) can indeed be a side effect of corticosteroid therapy. Corticosteroids can lead to sodium and water retention, which can contribute to increased blood pressure, particularly in individuals who are already at risk for hypertension. However, among the options provided, increased appetite is a more directly associated side effect of corticosteroid therapy.