Which description of stool is characteristic of intussusception?

The correct answer is choice B. Cardiac valve damage.

Choice A rationale:

Pulmonary hypertension is not a common complication of rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever primarily affects the heart, joints, skin, and brain, and pulmonary hypertension is not a typical manifestation of this condition.

Choice B rationale:

Cardiac valve damage is a common and serious complication of rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is caused by an autoimmune reaction to untreated streptococcal infections, particularly Streptococcus pyogenes. The immune response targets not only the streptococcal bacteria but also the body's own tissues, especially heart valves. This can lead to inflammation of the heart valves, a condition known as rheumatic heart disease. Over time, repeated bouts of rheumatic fever can result in significant damage to the heart valves, leading to valve insufficiency or stenosis. This can ultimately cause heart failure and other cardiovascular complications.

Choice C rationale:

Seizures are not a common complication of rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever primarily affects the heart and other body systems, but it does not typically lead to seizures.

Choice D rationale:

Cardiac arrhythmias are possible complications of rheumatic fever, but they are not as common or significant as cardiac valve damage. The inflammation and scarring caused by rheumatic fever can disrupt the electrical pathways of the heart, potentially leading to arrhythmias. However, the more prevalent and severe consequence of rheumatic fever is the damage to the heart valves.

The correct answer is choice C. Crohn's disease.

Choice A rationale:

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the colon and rectum, causing continuous areas of inflammation and ulcers. It does not involve any part of the GI tract from mouth to anus as stated in the question.

Choice B rationale:

Meckel's diverticulum is a congenital condition where a small pouch forms in the lower part of the small intestine. It is not characterized by a chronic inflammatory process involving various parts of the GI tract.

Choice C rationale:

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus. It commonly causes inflammation, ulceration, and narrowing of the affected segments of the intestines. This inflammation can lead to a range of symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. The question accurately describes Crohn's disease.

Choice D rationale:

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort and changes in bowel habits. It is not associated with chronic inflammatory processes or ulceration as seen in Crohn's disease.