A 7-year-old boy is brought to the physician because of a 3-day history of fever, headache, earache, and sore throat that is worse when swallowing. He has not had a runny nose or cough. His immunizations are up-to-date. He is at the 75th percentile for height and the 50th percentile for weight. His temperature is 38.9°C (102°F), pulse is 136/min, and respirations are 28/min. Examination of the oral cavity reveals a bright red tongue with prominent papillae, a red uvula, and an enlarged right tonsil covered by a whitish membrane. The deep cervical lymph nodes are enlarged and tender. Which of the following complications is most likely to develop in this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Scarlet fever is characterized by fever, pharyngitis, sandpaper-like rash, circumoral pallor, and a strawberry tongue.  It is caused by strains of Group A streptococcus that produce pyrogenic exotoxins.  Scarlet fever can predispose to acute rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis.

A 7-Year-Old Boy Is Brought to the Physician Because of a 3-Day