Why has aspirin been ordered for a child with rheumatic fever?

Aspirin has been ordered for a child with rheumatic fever primarily to reduce joint inflammation. Rheumatic fever often arises as a complication of streptococcal throat infections and can lead to symptoms such as joint pain and swelling due to the inflammatory response. Aspirin, as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is effective in managing these symptoms by decreasing inflammation and providing relief from pain.

The other options do not apply as directly to rheumatic fever. For example, keeping the patent ductus arteriosus open is typically a consideration in the management of congenital heart defects, not rheumatic fever. Additionally, strawberry tongue, characterized by a red, bumpy appearance, is symptomatic of other conditions and is not specifically targeted by aspirin. Regarding endocarditis and ventricular hypertrophy, aspirin is not the treatment of choice; rather, antibiotics and other therapies are prioritized for these conditions. Therefore, reducing joint inflammation is the targeted action of aspirin in the context of rheumatic fever.