Which lab findings are indicative of rheumatic fever?

The correct answer identifies elevated sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein as lab findings indicative of rheumatic fever. When evaluating a diagnosis of rheumatic fever, both the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are useful inflammatory markers.

In rheumatic fever, the body mounts an inflammatory response to a previous streptococcal infection, often manifesting in conditions such as carditis, arthritis, and other systemic symptoms. The ESR tends to rise in response to inflammation, and similarly, CRP is produced by the liver during acute inflammatory states. Elevated levels of both markers suggest an ongoing inflammatory process and help in confirming the diagnosis of rheumatic fever.

In contrast, the other options reflect values that would not typically align with the inflammatory response associated with rheumatic fever, as they either suggest a lack of inflammation or alterations unrelated to this disease process. Therefore, the indication of elevated sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein is critical for understanding the pathophysiology and diagnosis of rheumatic fever.