Pediatric Practice Exam HESI Related

Review Pediatric Practice Exam HESI related questions and content

A nurse is assessing a child with suspected rheumatic fever. What clinical manifestation is the nurse likely to observe?

  • A. Jaundice
  • B. Peeling skin on the hands and feet
  • C. High fever
  • D. Severe joint pain
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, severe joint pain. Rheumatic fever commonly presents with severe joint pain due to joint inflammation. Jaundice (choice A) is not typically associated with rheumatic fever. Peeling skin on the hands and feet (choice B) is more indicative of conditions like Kawasaki disease. While a high fever (choice C) can be present, it is not as specific to rheumatic fever as severe joint pain. Severe joint pain, along with other criteria like carditis, subcutaneous nodules, erythema marginatum, and Sydenham chorea, are major criteria used in the diagnosis of rheumatic fever.