A nurse is caring for a child who has rheumatic fever. When obtaining the child’s medical history from the parent, the nurse should recognize the significance of which of the following data as the possible source of the child’s infection?

The correct answer is Choice A.Choice A rationaleRheumatic fever is often preceded by a streptococcal infection, such as strep throat. A sibling with a sore throat 3 weeks ago could have had a strep infection, which is a significant risk factor for developing rheumatic fever.Choice B rationaleChickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and is not related to rheumatic fever, which is a complication of streptococcal infections.Choice C rationaleGastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining and is not associated with rheumatic fever.Choice D rationaleFifth disease is caused by parvovirus B19 and is not related to rheumatic fever.