A nurse is assessing a client with a temperature of 38.5°C (101.3°F) and a white blood cell count of 15,000/mm³. Which condition is the client most likely experiencing?
Bacterial infection.
Viral infection.
Fungal infection.
Parasitic infection.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Bacterial infection often leads to an elevated white blood cell count (15,000/mm³) and fever (38.5°C). The body’s immune response to bacterial pathogens results in these clinical manifestations.
Choice B rationale
Viral infections can cause fever, but they typically do not lead to a significant increase in white blood cell count.
Choice C rationale
Fungal infections can cause fever and elevated white blood cell count, but they are less common and usually occur in immunocompromised individuals.
Choice D rationale
Parasitic infections can cause fever and elevated white blood cell count, but they are less common and usually present with other specific symptoms.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A hypertensive crisis is characterized by severely elevated blood pressure, which can cause severe headache and blurred vision due to increased intracranial pressure.
Choice B rationale
Migraines can cause severe headaches and visual disturbances, but in a patient with a history of hypertension, a hypertensive crisis is more likely.
Choice C rationale
Sinus infections can cause headaches and facial pain, but not typically blurred vision.
Choice D rationale
Gastroenteritis causes gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting, not headaches and blurred vision.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute indicates tachypnea, which is a sign of respiratory distress. Immediate intervention is needed to address the underlying cause and prevent further deterioration of the patient’s condition.
Choice B rationale
A temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) indicates a fever, which may suggest an infection. While this requires medical attention, it is not as immediately critical as respiratory distress.
Choice C rationale
A blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg is considered high, but it does not indicate an immediate need for intervention in the context of COPD. Hypertension should be managed, but it is not an acute emergency.
Choice D rationale
A heart rate of 90 beats per minute is within the normal range and does not indicate an immediate need for intervention. Monitoring the patient’s heart rate is important, but it is not an urgent concern in this scenario.