Nursing Interventions

1. Primary goals in acute rheumatic fever are: 
2. Control and eradication of the infecting organism. 
3. Prevent cardiac complications. 
4. Relieve joint pain, fever and other symptoms. 
5. Support patient psychologically and emotionally. 

Care of Patient

1. Administer antibiotics as prescribed. 
2. Care of the IV line maintained for medicine administration. 
3. Provide optimal rest to reduce the cardiac workload and diminish metabolic needs of the body. 
4. Tepid sponge and antipyretics to relieve fever. 
5. Monitor vital signs regularly. 
6. Oral fluids, monitor intake output. 
7. Ambulate patient after acute symptoms have subsided, if without carditis. If patient has carditis with CHF, bed rest till anti-inflammatory therapy is completed. Gradual ambulation. 
8. Relief of joint pain. Position the painful joints with comfort and proper alignment. May use a bed cradle to take the weight off the joints, of the top bed clothes. Disprin is administered to relieve pain. 
9. Safety measures. 
10. Psychological and emotional support because children and young adults are the patients.