Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board (ONCB) Metabolic/Inflammatory/Tumors Practice Exam

What medication should a nurse instruct a patient recently diagnosed with rheumatic fever to take at home?

1. Methotrexate

2. Allopurinol

3. Aspirin

4. Hyaluron

The correct answer is: Aspirin

Aspirin is the correct choice for a patient recently diagnosed with rheumatic fever due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which are beneficial for managing the inflammatory processes associated with the condition. Rheumatic fever often arises as a complication of untreated streptococcal throat infections and is characterized by inflammation that can affect the heart, joints, skin, and nervous system. When treating rheumatic fever, especially in the presence of carditis, aspirin helps reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. It can also lower the risk of cardiac complications by offering symptomatic relief during the acute phase of the illness. Other medications, while important in different contexts, are not suitable for initial management in rheumatic fever. Methotrexate is typically used for autoimmune disorders or certain cancers, Allopurinol is aimed at gout and kidney stones, and Hyaluron is more of a joint lubricant and not indicated for rheumatic fever management. Thus, the primary focus in a rheumatic fever diagnosis is often alleviating inflammation, making aspirin the appropriate home medication.