Which of the following is the most reliable early indicator of infection in a client with low WBC?
Fever
Chills
Tachycardia
Dyspnea
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Fever is the most reliable early indicator of infection in a client with low WBC because it is a direct physiologic response to the presence of pathogens. When the body detects an infection, it releases pyrogens, which act on the hypothalamus to raise the body's temperature. This elevated temperature helps to create an environment that is less hospitable to bacteria and viruses, and it also stimulates the immune system to fight the infection.
In clients with low WBC, the immune system is already compromised, so the fever response may be even more pronounced. It's important to note that even a slight elevation in temperature (as low as 100.4°F or 38°C) can be significant in these clients.
Choice B rationale:
Chills can also be a sign of infection, but they are not as specific as fever. Chills can occur for other reasons, such as exposure to cold or anxiety.
Choice C rationale:
Tachycardia, or increased heart rate, can also be a sign of infection, but it is not as reliable as fever. Tachycardia can occur for other reasons, such as dehydration, pain, or anxiety.
Choice D rationale:
Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, is not a typical early sign of infection. It is more likely to occur in later stages of infection, when the infection has spread to the lungs.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
While inquiring about pre-seizure symptoms can be informative, it's not the most crucial question at this point. The priority is to gather information about medication adherence to assess potential causes for the breakthrough seizure.
Choice B rationale:
Assessing for post-ictal fatigue is important, but it's not the most pressing question in the immediate aftermath of a seizure. Determining medication adherence takes precedence.
Choice D rationale:
Establishing whether consciousness was lost can aid in classifying seizure type, but it's not as critical as understanding medication adherence in the initial assessment.
Choice C rationale:
This question directly addresses a potential cause of the seizure. Understanding when the client last took their medication can help determine if missed or delayed doses contributed to the seizure, guide medication adjustments, and inform further seizure prevention strategies.
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
History of rheumatologic conditions: Research has demonstrated a link between fibromyalgia and other rheumatologic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and osteoarthritis. Individuals with these conditions may have a predisposition to developing fibromyalgia due to shared genetic factors, immune system dysregulation, and chronic inflammation.
Choice B rationale:
Nutritional deficiency: While nutritional deficiencies, particularly in vitamin D, magnesium, and iron, have been associated with fibromyalgia symptoms, there's not enough evidence to establish them as direct risk factors for its development.
Nutritional deficiencies can worsen pain and fatigue, but they aren't considered primary causes of fibromyalgia.
Choice C rationale:
Previous injury to the bone: Past bone injuries typically aren't considered a risk factor for fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome that affects muscles and soft tissues, not bones themselves. While pain from an injury might trigger fibromyalgia symptoms, it's not a direct cause.
Choice D rationale:
Deep sleep deprivation: Sleep disturbances, especially disruptions in deep sleep (also known as slow-wave sleep), are strongly linked to fibromyalgia. Deep sleep is crucial for restorative processes in the body, including pain regulation. Insufficient deep sleep can lead to heightened pain sensitivity and contribute to the development of fibromyalgia.
Choice E rationale:
Physical and emotional trauma: Physical and emotional trauma, such as experiencing accidents, abuse, or significant psychological stress, can significantly increase the risk of developing fibromyalgia. Trauma can trigger changes in the brain's pain processing pathways and stress hormone regulation, contributing to chronic pain and other fibromyalgia symptoms.
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