Health Promotion and Maintenance
36. In doing a child's admission assessment, which signs and symptoms should a nurse recognize as most likely related to rheumatic fever?
Health Promotion and Maintenance
36. In doing a child's admission assessment, which signs and symptoms should a nurse recognize as most likely related to rheumatic fever?
. Vomiting and diarrhea.
. Arthralgia and muscle weakness.
. Conjunctivitis and red, cracked lips.
. Bradycardia and hypotension.
Test-Taking Tip
The question contains the word "rheumatic," which is related to joints. Only one answer option contains a symptom associated with joints (arthralgia), which should help you narrow your choice.
Content Area: Child Health, Infectious Disease; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Assessment; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Physiological Adaptation/Pathophysiology
Health Promotion and Maintenance
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Answer 1 is incorrect because vomiting and diarrhea are not part of the diagnostic criteria for rheumatic fever and are symptoms common to many other illnesses. Answer 2 is correct because symptoms of rheumatic fever include muscle weakness and arthralgia. Answer 3 is incorrect because together these are symptoms of Kawasaki disease, not rheumatic fever. Answer 4 is incorrect because children with rheumatic fever are likely to experience tachycardia. In addition, hypotension is not part of the diagnostic criteria for rheumatic fever.