What commonality should a nurse recognize among scarlet fever, otitis media, and rheumatic fever?

Scarlet fever, otitis media, and rheumatic fever are all associated with streptococcal infections. Scarlet fever typically follows a streptococcal throat infection and presents with a characteristic rash. Otitis media can also occur in children, particularly after a streptococcal throat infection, leading to inflammation and infection of the middle ear. Rheumatic fever is a serious complication that can arise after a streptococcal infection, particularly if the throat infection is inadequately treated. Recognizing this commonality allows healthcare providers, including nurses, to effectively identify, treat, and prevent these conditions.

Other choices may show some truth; however, they do not apply universally to all three conditions. While these illnesses primarily affect young children, not all cases present exclusively in this population. Furthermore, only particular circumstances necessitate hospitalization, and the assertion that all are viral infections is incorrect, as all are caused by bacterial infections stemming from streptococci.