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Clinical Learning Booklet

Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease resulting from untreated Group A Streptococcal pharyngitis, primarily affecting the heart, joints, skin, and central nervous system. Major manifestations include carditis, polyarthritis, chorea, erythema marginatum, and subcutaneous nodules, while minor manifestations include fever and arthralgia. Diagnosis is based on the Jones Criteria, and management involves antibiotics, anti-inflammatory treatment, and long-term prophylaxis to prevent recurrence.

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Judelyn Bayawa
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6 views2 pages

Clinical Learning Booklet

Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease resulting from untreated Group A Streptococcal pharyngitis, primarily affecting the heart, joints, skin, and central nervous system. Major manifestations include carditis, polyarthritis, chorea, erythema marginatum, and subcutaneous nodules, while minor manifestations include fever and arthralgia. Diagnosis is based on the Jones Criteria, and management involves antibiotics, anti-inflammatory treatment, and long-term prophylaxis to prevent recurrence.

Uploaded by

Judelyn Bayawa
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

3.

Signs & Symptoms (S&S)


Clinical Learning Booklet
Topic: Rheumatic Fever Major manifestations (per Jones Criteria): • Carditis
(inflammation of the heart) • Polyarthritis (migrating

Student: Rev Lawrence A. Araneta joint inflammation) • Chorea (involuntary jerky


movements, “St. Vitus’ dance”) • Erythema

Group: 1 marginatum (rash with pink rings) • Subcutaneous


nodules Minor manifestations: • Fever • Arthralgia

CI: Maam Kim (joint pain without swelling) • Elevated ESR/CRP •


Prolonged PR interval on ECG

1. Definition / Etiology 4. Diagnostic Procedures (Dx)

Definition: Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory • Throat culture / Rapid antigen test (for recent
disease that can develop as a complication of strep infection) • Antistreptolysin O (ASO) titer
untreated or poorly treated Group A Streptococcal (elevated in recent strep infection) •
(GAS) pharyngitis (strep throat). It primarily affects Echocardiogram (to assess heart valve involvement)
the heart, joints, skin, and central nervous system. • ECG (to detect prolonged PR interval) • CBC, ESR,
Etiology: • Caused by an autoimmune reaction to a CRP (signs of systemic inflammation) • Diagnosis is
streptococcal infection. • Usually follows strep throat made using the Jones Criteria: evidence of recent
(caused by Streptococcus pyogenes). • The immune strep infection + 2 major or 1 major and 2 minor
system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, criteria.
particularly the heart valves.
5. Management (MGT)
2. Pathophysiology
Medical Management: • Antibiotics: Penicillin or
1. Initial streptococcal throat infection occurs. 2. other antibiotics to eliminate residual strep infection
Body produces antibodies to fight the bacteria. 3. • Anti-inflammatory treatment: Aspirin or
These antibodies cross-react with human tissues corticosteroids to reduce inflammation •
(especially heart valves, joints, skin, brain). 4. This Anticonvulsants: For chorea if severe • Bed rest:
results in inflammation and damage, especially to Especially in the presence of carditis • Prophylaxis:
the mitral and aortic valves in the heart. 5. If Long-term monthly IM benzathine penicillin
untreated, repeated attacks can cause chronic injections to prevent recurrence.
rheumatic heart disease (RHD).
6. Nursing Responsibilities (Nsg. T)

• Monitor vital signs, especially heart rate and


temperature • Administer prescribed medications:
antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and
prophylactic antibiotics • Encourage bed rest during
acute phase to reduce cardiac workload • Assess for
signs of heart failure (shortness of breath, edema,
fatigue) • Provide emotional support (especially if
chorea is present) • Educate patient and family
about importance of medication adherence and
completing antibiotic courses • Promote regular
follow-ups for cardiac evaluation • Reinforce
infection prevention: Teach importance of early
treatment of sore throats to prevent recurrence

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