Child Health (Paediatrics) › Paediatric Cardiac · 35 questions on this topic in NurseRank, 6 free to practise now.
Practise Rheumatic Fever for NORCET, RRB, ESIC, CHO and state nursing officer exams. Read the 5 sample questions below, tap Show answer and explanation to check yourself, then open the full topic practice.
Q1. A 9-year-old is admitted with suspected rheumatic fever. Which finding is suggestive of polymigratory arthritis?
Irregular movements of the extremities and facial grimacing
Painless swelling over the extensor surfaces of the joints
Faint areas of red demarcation over the back and abdomen
Swelling, inflammation, and effusion of the joints
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D. Swelling, inflammation, and effusion of the joints
Answer D is correct. The child with polymigratory arthritis will exhibit swollen, painful joints. Answer B is incorrect because it describes subcutaneous nodules. Answer C is incorrect because it describes erythema marginatum. Answer A is incorrect because it describes Syndeham’s chorea.
Q2. Which response by the nurse best explains why aspirin is preferred to acetaminophen (Tylenol) in the treatment of rheumatic fever?
"Aspirin prevents infections."
"Aspirin controls fever better."
"Aspirin relieves joint inflammation."
"Aspirin prevents cardiac enlargement." The parents question how their child got rheumatic fever and ask if the child can get it again. The nurse teaches the parents the disease process and potential consequences in the future
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C. "Aspirin relieves joint inflammation."
Reye's syndrome is a disease that causes multisystem organ failure and can be fatal. It is associated with aspirin use, but also is associated with viral infections. Despite the risk of Reye's syndrome, aspirin is given instead of acetaminophen because it not only controls fever, but also relieves joint inflammation, which is a major manifestation of rheumatic fever. Aspirin is not necessarily more effective in reducing fever than acetaminophen, and it does not prevent infection or cardiac enlargement.
Q3. Which manifestation alone is enough to diagnose rheumatic fever once other causes are excluded?
Raised ESR
Arthralgia
Fever
Chorea
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Answer: D. Chorea
Diagnosis of rheumatic fever – 2 major, or 1 major + 2 minor criteria, plus evidence of preceding streptococcal infection; chorea alone is enough once other causes are excluded.
Q4. Which action should the nurse perform to help alleviate a child's joint pain associated with rheumatic fever?
Use a bed cradle to keep linens off joints
Apply gentle traction to the child's affected joints
Support proper alignment with rolled pillows
Maintain the joints in an extended position
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. Use a bed cradle to keep linens off joints
For a child with arthritis associated with rheumatic fever, the joints are usually so tender that even the weight of bed linens can cause pain. Use of a bed cradle is recommended to help remove the weight of the linens on painful joints. Joints need to be maintained in good alignment, not positioned in extension, to ensure that they remain functional. Applying gentle traction to the joints is not recommended because traction is usually used to relieve muscle spasms, which are not typically associated with rheumatic fever. Supporting the body in good alignment and changing the patient's position are recommended, but these measures are not likely to relieve pain.
Q5. In rheumatic fever care, which drug is used to relieve inflammation?
Penicillin
Morphine
Digoxin
Aspirin
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Answer: D. Aspirin
Rheumatic fever care – bed rest during carditis, avoid contact sports; penicillin treats infection and prevents recurrence; aspirin relieves inflammation.
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Which exams do these Rheumatic Fever MCQs help with?
They are useful for AIIMS NORCET, RRB, ESIC, CHO, DSSSB and state staff nurse or nursing officer exams, and for NCLEX-style practice.
