Pediatric Research Questions Related

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The nurse is admitting a child with rheumatic fever. Which therapeutic management should the nurse expect to implement?

  • A. Administering penicillin
  • B. Avoiding salicylates (aspirin)
  • C. Imposing strict bed rest for 4 to 6 weeks
  • D. Administering corticosteroids if chorea develops
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Therapeutic management for rheumatic fever includes administering penicillin to eradicate the streptococcal infection, avoiding salicylates (aspirin) to prevent Reye's syndrome, and imposing strict bed rest for the acute phase to decrease cardiac workload and prevent joint complications. Corticosteroids are used if chorea (involuntary movement disorder) develops to reduce inflammation and control symptoms. Therefore, the nurse should expect to administer corticosteroids if chorea develops in a child with rheumatic fever.