What is a significant sign indicative of polyarthritis in a client with rheumatic fever?

What is a significant sign indicative of polyarthritis in a client with rheumatic fever?

• A. Swollen joints
• B. Pain during rest
• C. Fever
• D. Anemia

Answer: (A)

Swollen joints are a significant sign indicative of polyarthritis in a client with rheumatic fever. Polyarthritis refers to inflammation of multiple joints, and in the context of rheumatic fever, it typically affects larger joints such as the knees, ankles, elbows, and wrists. The swelling occurs due to the accumulation of fluid in the affected joints and is usually accompanied by tenderness, warmth, and redness. These symptoms are part of the body's inflammatory response to the underlying streptococcal infection that triggers rheumatic fever. While pain during rest, fever, and anemia can be related to rheumatic fever and may coexist with the condition, they are not the hallmark indicators of polyarthritis itself. Pain during rest might reflect overall inflammation but doesn't specifically point to joint involvement. Fever is a systemic response to infection and is common in rheumatic fever but does not directly indicate polyarthritis. Anemia can result from chronic inflammation or other underlying issues but is not a direct indicator of joint involvement. Therefore, swollen joints serve as the most direct and specific indicator of polyarthritis in this context.

Swollen joints are a significant sign indicative of polyarthritis in a client with rheumatic fever. Polyarthritis refers to inflammation of multiple joints, and in the context of rheumatic fever, it typically affects larger joints such as the knees, ankles, elbows, and wrists. The swelling occurs due to the accumulation of fluid in the affected joints and is usually accompanied by tenderness, warmth, and redness. These symptoms are part of the body's inflammatory response to the underlying streptococcal infection that triggers rheumatic fever.

While pain during rest, fever, and anemia can be related to rheumatic fever and may coexist with the condition, they are not the hallmark indicators of polyarthritis itself. Pain during rest might reflect overall inflammation but doesn't specifically point to joint involvement. Fever is a systemic response to infection and is common in rheumatic fever but does not directly indicate polyarthritis. Anemia can result from chronic inflammation or other underlying issues but is not a direct indicator of joint involvement. Therefore, swollen joints serve as the most direct and specific indicator of polyarthritis in this context.