National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) Practice Test

What is a clinical manifestation commonly associated with rheumatic fever?

1. Polyarthritis

2. Fever

3. Rash

4. Heart murmur

The correct answer is: Polyarthritis

Polyarthritis is a clinical manifestation commonly associated with rheumatic fever and involves inflammation and pain in multiple joints. This condition typically develops as a complication of untreated strep throat caused by Streptococcus bacteria, leading to an autoimmune response. In rheumatic fever, polyarthritis can affect several joints and is often characterized by migratory symptoms, meaning the pain and swelling may move from one joint to another. Other associated symptoms include fever, which is a systemic response to infection but more general and not specific to rheumatic fever alone. A rash can occur but is not as definitive as polyarthritis in diagnosing the condition. A heart murmur may also be present due to valvular changes that can occur with rheumatic fever, but again, it is not as direct a manifestation of the initial presentation of the disease. Thus, polyarthritis stands out as a hallmark symptom of rheumatic fever, making it the correct choice in this context.