Author Question: The patient is restless with a temperature of 102.2 F (39 C). One of the first things the nurse ... (Read 33 times)

Garrulous · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The patient is restless with a temperature of 102.2 F (39 C). One of the first things the nurse should do is

a. Place the patient on oxygen.
b. Restrict fluid intake.
c. Increase patient activity.
d. Increase patient's metabolic rate.

Question 2

When heat loss mechanisms of the body are unable to keep pace with excess heat production, the result is known as

a. Pyrexia.
b. The plateau phase.
c. The set point.
d. Becoming afebrile.

ntsoane kedibone · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
During a fever, cellular metabolism increases and oxygen consumption rises. Myocardial hypoxia produces angina. Cerebral hypoxia produces confusion. Interventions during a fever include oxygen therapy. Dehydration is a serious problem through increased respiration and diaphoresis. The patient is at risk for fluid volume deficit. Fluids should not be restricted. Increasing activity would increase the metabolic rate further, which would not be advisable.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Pyrexia, or fever, occurs because heat loss mechanisms are unable to keep pace with excess heat production, resulting in an abnormal rise in body temperature. The set point is the temperature point determined by the hypothalamus. When pyrogens trigger immune system responses, the hypothalamus reacts to raise the set point, and the body produces and conserves heat. During the plateau phase, chills subside and the person feels warm and dry as heat production and loss equilibrate at the new level. When the fever breaks, the patient becomes afebrile.