I.

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

 Nervous System
-Jerky, uncontrollable movements,
usually of both arms and legs and
particularly of the face, feet, and
hands, called Sydenham chorea may
begin gradually in children with rheumatic fever but usually only after all other symtomshace subsided. A
month may go by before the jerky movements that disappear during sleep. The movements may invlove any
muscle except those of the eyes. They may involve any muscle except those of the eyes. They may begin in
the hands and spread to the feet and face. Facial grimacing (a distorted expression on the face) is common.
Children may cluck their tongue, or the tongue may dart in and out of the mouth.

In mild cases, children may seem clumsy and may have slight difficulties in dressing and eating. In severe
cases, children may have to be protected from injuring themselves with their flailing arms or legs. The
chorea lasts between 4 months and 8 months.

II. DESCRIPTION OF THE DISEASE

DISEASE ETIOLOGY S&S (BOOK) S&S (PATIENT)

Acute Rheumatic Fever Rheumatic fever may  Fever  Chest pains

Rheumatic fever (acute
rheumatic fever) is a
disease that can affect the
heart, joints, brain, and
skin. Rheumatic fever can
develop if strep throat and
scarlet fever infections are
not treated properly. Early
diagnosis of these
infections and treatment
with antibiotics are key to
preventing rheumatic
fever.
develop after strep throat
or scarlet fever infections
that are not treated
properly. Bacteria
called group A and wrists
Streptococcus or group
A strep cause strep throat
and scarlet fever. It usually
takes about 1 to 5 weeks
after strep throat or scarlet
fever for rheumatic fever
to develop.
 Painful, tender joints  fever of 38.30C
(arthritis), most  joint pain on his knees
commonly in the and ankle.
knees, ankles, elbows,  jerky movements
particularly in his
 Symptoms of hands
congestive heart  His skin at his back
failure, including chest shows a rash with a
pain, shortness of faint pattern with a
breath, fast heartbeat pinkish center and
 Fatigue slightly raised red
 Jerky, uncontrollable border .
body movements  rapid heart rate of
(called “chorea”) 110 bpm
 Painless lumps 
(nodules) under the
skin near joints (this is
a rare symptom)
 Rash that appears as
pink rings with a clear
center (this is a rare
symptom)

In addition, someone with

rheumatic fever can have:
 A new heart murmur
 An enlarged heart
 Fluid around the heart