Which arteries are most commonly affected by rheumatic fever?

Prepare for the New Zealand State Nursing Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Get prepared to excel in your test!

Rheumatic fever primarily affects the heart and can lead to rheumatic heart disease, which is associated with inflammation in various parts of the cardiovascular system. Among the options, the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle, can be significantly impacted because rheumatic fever may lead to valvular heart disease and chronic inflammation, resulting in complications such as coronary insufficiency.

Additionally, renal arteries can be involved due to systemic effects on kidney function secondary to rheumatic fever. Mesenteric and cerebral arteries may also be affected due to the disease process leading to potential embolic events or vascular complications that can compromise blood flow to the intestines and brain, respectively.

Thus, the choice highlighting the coronary, renal, mesenteric, and cerebral arteries accurately reflects the types of arteries that may experience significant issues as a consequence of rheumatic fever and its systemic effects, making it the correct answer.

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