A nurse is obtaining a health history from a child who has suspected acute rheumatic fever. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask?
"Was your son born with this cardiac defect?"
"Has your child had any injuries recently?"
"Have you given your child aspirin in the past 2 weeks?"
"Has your son had a sore throat recently?"
The Correct Answer is D
A. This question is not relevant to the assessment for acute rheumatic fever. ARF is not a congenital cardiac defect but rather an acquired condition resulting from an abnormal immune response to a streptococcal infection.
B. Injuries are not typically associated with the development of acute rheumatic fever. ARF is primarily triggered by an untreated or inadequately treated streptococcal infection, particularly streptococcal pharyngitis.
C. Aspirin use is not a specific question related to the assessment of acute rheumatic fever. Aspirin therapy may be indicated for managing symptoms of ARF, but it is not a diagnostic criterion for the condition.
D. Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is an autoimmune condition affecting the heart, joints, skin, and central nervous system. It follows an untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal infection, particularly streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Notifying the provider allows for assessment of the situation, possibly perform a medical evaluation to determine if the bruises are of medical concern, and decide on further actions.
B. Ask the toddler what caused the bruises is not always reliable to provide information of sensitive issues. However, asking them can sometimes provide useful information.
C. Ask the parents what caused the bruises may mislead the team as the parents may lie about the bruises if they are perpetrators of child abuse.
D. Notification of social service is important in suspected cases of neglect or abuse. However, this should follow assessment by the provider
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The symptoms described, including slow onset of recurrent low-grade fever, fatigue, weakness, joint and muscle aches, loss of appetite, weight loss, and diaphoresis, along with the presence of a new heart murmur, splenomegaly, petechiae, splinter hemorrhages under the nails, and Osler nodes, are classic signs and symptoms of infective endocarditis (IE).

B. Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect characterized by four specific abnormalities in the heart's structure. The symptoms described do not align with the characteristic features of Tetralogy of Fallot.
C. Acute rheumatic fever is an inflammatory condition that can develop as a complication of untreated streptococcal infections, particularly strep throat. While it can lead to heart valve damage (rheumatic heart disease), the symptoms described are more indicative of infective endocarditis rather than acute rheumatic fever.
D. Pulmonary hypertension is a condition characterized by elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries. While it can present with symptoms such as fatigue and weakness, it typically does not manifest with the constellation of symptoms described, including fever, joint and muscle aches, and the presence of Osler nodes and splinter hemorrhages.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.