A nurse is caring for a client with a temperature of 39°C (102.2°F) who presents with a stiff neck and photophobia. Which condition should the nurse suspect?

Choice A rationale
Decreasing the secretion of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) by the pituitary gland is not a compensatory response to fluid volume deficit. TSH primarily regulates thyroid function and metabolism, and its secretion is not directly related to fluid balance or osmolality.
Choice B rationale
Increasing renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) activity by the kidneys is the body’s primary compensatory response to fluid volume deficit. When there is a decrease in blood volume or blood pressure, the kidneys release renin, which activates the RAAS. This system increases the reabsorption of sodium and water in the kidneys, leading to an increase in blood volume and blood pressure.
Choice C rationale
Decreasing the secretion of cortisol by the adrenal gland is not a compensatory response to fluid volume deficit. Cortisol is a stress hormone that helps regulate metabolism, immune response, and other functions, but it is not directly involved in fluid balance.
Choice D rationale
Increasing the secretion of natriuretic peptides by the heart is a response to fluid overload, not fluid deficit. Natriuretic peptides promote the excretion of sodium and water by the kidneys, which helps reduce blood volume and pressure. This response is opposite to what is needed in a fluid volume deficit situation.

Choice A rationale
Poor blood glucose control is a significant factor in delayed wound healing in patients with diabetes. Hyperglycemia impairs various aspects of the immune response, reduces blood flow, and increases the risk of infection, all of which contribute to delayed healing.
Choice B rationale
Inadequate protein intake can also contribute to delayed wound healing. Protein is essential for the repair and regeneration of tissues, and a deficiency can impair the body’s ability to heal wounds effectively.
Choice C rationale
Peripheral neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes, can lead to decreased sensation in the feet, making it more likely for injuries to go unnoticed and untreated. This can result in chronic wounds and delayed healing.
Choice D rationale
All of the above factors—poor blood glucose control, inadequate protein intake, and peripheral neuropathy—can contribute to delayed healing of foot ulcers in patients with diabetes. Each of these factors plays a role in the complex process of wound healing and can hinder the body’s ability to repair itself.