The nurse is assessing a child suspected of having rheumatic fever in the emergency room. According to Jones criteria, which laboratory findings may indicate the presence of rheumatic fever?

Explanation

•Normal weight for age demonstrates adequate nutritional intake and lack of edema (from too much fluid intake).

•Diuretics may be administered to decrease edema, thus reducing preload and afterload. Daily weights are a good way to gauge the diuretic’s effectiveness. Be certain that children are weighed at the same time, with the same scale, in the same clothing every day so measurements are accurate and any weight loss can be noted easily.

•A pulse rate of 50 (bradycardia), nausea, and vomiting indicates digoxin toxicity. Daily antibiotics are not indicated.