The nurse is teaching an inservice program to a group of nurses on the topic of children diagnosed with rheumatic fever. The nurses in the group make the following statements. Which statement is most accurate regarding the diagnosis of rheumatic fever?

a) "Children who have this diagnosis may have had strep throat."
b) "Being up to date on immunizations is the best way to prevent this disorder."
c) "This disorder is caused by genetic factors."
d) "The onset and progression of this disorder is rapid."