A seven-year-old girl has been diagnosed with rheumatic fever. The physician has talked with the parents and child and explained the disease and the planned medical treatment. Which statement by the parents needs further clarification?

Question

1. "I understand rheumatic fever is a strep infection of the heart."
2. "My child will be on bed rest for several weeks."
3. "My child will be treated with aspirin and/or corticosteroids."
4. "Once my child has recovered, she will still need to be monitored for sequelae to the disease."

Answer 1

1
Rationale 1: Rheumatic fever is not a strep infection of the heart but an autoimmune connective tissue disease in response to a previous strep infection. This statement requires clarification.
Rationale 2: This statement is correct. No further clarification is needed.
Rationale 3: This statement is correct and needs no clarification.
Rationale 4: Children who have had one episode of rheumatic fever are at greater risk for future episodes. In addition, long term valve damage may occur. This statement needs no further clarification.
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