Definition of Rheumatic Fever
Rheumatic fever is a serious inflammatory disease that can permanently affect the structure and function of the heart, particularly the heart valves. (Elizabeth J. Corwin, 2000; 380)
Rheumatic fever (RF) is a clinical syndrome caused by infection Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci with symptoms of one or more major symptoms, namely poly migrans acute arthritis, carditis, chorea minor, subcutaneous nodules, and erythema marginatum. (Ngastiyah, 2005: 112)
Etiology of Rheumatic Fever
Rheumatic fever, as is the case with other diseases are the result of individual interactions, and environmental factors that cause disease. The disease is closely associated with upper respiratory tract infection by Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci. Predisposing factors that influence the onset of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease found in individuals themselves, ie genetic factors, gender, ethnic group, race, age and state of nutrition. While environmental factors are the social, economic climate and geography as well as bad weather.
Clinical Manifestations of Rheumatic Fever
Symptoms of rheumatic fever consists of four stages, namely:
Stage I
This stage in the form of the presence of upper respiratory tract infections by bacteria Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci, with complaints of fever, cough, sore swallow. Sometimes accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea. On examination, the results are exudates and other signs of inflammation. The infection usually lasts for two to four days and can heal itself without treatment.
Stage II
Called the latent period between the time of streptococcal infection with early symptoms of rheumatic fever. Usually within one to three weeks, unless the chorea that may arise in six weeks or a few months later.
Stage III
The acute phase of rheumatic fever. Minor symptoms such as symptoms of general inflammation, with the acquisition of not so high fever, lethargy, irritability fast, weight loss, anorexia. Anemia encountered as a result of depressed erythropoietic system, increased plasma volume, shortening of the lifespan of erythrocytes and bleeding from the nose (epistaxis).
Stage IV
Inactive stage. Both patients without rheumatic fever with heart defects or heart abnormalities without sequelae rheumatic valve abnormalities are asymptomatic. But patients with the disorder, patients in this phase rheumatic fever / rheumatic heart disease may experience illness reactivity.
Complications of Rheumatic Fever
- Cardiac arrhythmias.
- Heart failure.
- Pericarditis with effusion wide.
- Rheumatic pneumonia.
- Pulmonary embolism.
- Infarction.
- Abnormalities of the heart valves.
Nursing Diagnosis for Rheumatic Fever
1. Hyperthermia r / t disease or inflammatory disease.
2. Imbalanced Nutrition Less than Body Requirements r / t inability to digest food due to anorexia, increased metabolism and chorea.
3. Impaired Physical Mobility r / t pain and discomfort.
4. Risk for infection r / t chronic recurrence of the disease.
5. Acute pain r / t polyarthritis.
6. Risk for injury r / t streptococcal infection.
