What symptom should a nurse inquire about to assess a child for rheumatic fever?

When considering rheumatic fever, a key symptom for the nurse to investigate is a sore throat, particularly a recent history of a sore throat. Rheumatic fever is a complication of untreated streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat), which can lead to serious inflammatory responses affecting the heart, joints, skin, and brain. Inquiring about a sore throat helps identify whether the child has experienced strep throat, which can trigger the immune response associated with rheumatic fever.

The significance of this inquiry lies in the progression of the illness—if a sore throat is reported, it may warrant further evaluation for strep throat, which could lead to rheumatic fever if not treated appropriately.

Understanding the connection between sore throats and rheumatic fever is crucial for early identification and preventive measures, including appropriate antibiotic treatment. Hence, assessing a child's recent history of sore throat is central to evaluating their risk for rheumatic fever.