The nurse understands that the four unrelated words test provides information related to which cognitive function?

A. Rubella: Rubella is a viral infection caused by the rubella virus, not a complication of untreated strep throat. It is unrelated to Group A Streptococcus (GAS) infection and is prevented through vaccination.

B. Leukoplakia: Leukoplakia is a condition characterized by white patches on the mucous membranes, often associated with chronic irritation or tobacco use. It is not a complication of streptococcal pharyngitis.

C. Rheumatic fever: Untreated streptococcal throat infections caused by Group A Streptococcus can lead to rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease affecting the heart, joints, skin, and brain. This autoimmune response can result in rheumatic heart disease, which may cause permanent cardiac damage.

D. Scarlet fever: While scarlet fever can develop from strep throat, it is not a long-term complication but rather an acute reaction to the streptococcal toxin. The more serious complication of untreated strep throat is rheumatic fever, which can have lasting consequences, particularly for the heart.

A. Thought content: The four unrelated words test does not assess thought content, which refers to the patient’s ideas, beliefs, and perception of reality. Thought content is typically evaluated through direct questioning and observation of the patient’s speech patterns and behaviors.

B. Attention span: Attention span is assessed by evaluating the patient's ability to concentrate on simple tasks, such as following a set of instructions or completing a short mental exercise. The four unrelated words test is not designed to measure attention span directly.

C. Distant memory: Distant memory refers to the recall of events or information from the past, such as childhood experiences or historical events. The four unrelated words test assesses recent recall rather than distant memory.

D. New memory: The four unrelated words test evaluates the ability to form and retrieve new memories. The nurse provides the patient with four unrelated words, asks them to recall them after a few minutes, and reassesses recall at intervals. Impairments in new memory recall can indicate cognitive deficits seen in conditions like dementia or head trauma.