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.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hypercalcemia is characterized by increased calcium levels in the blood, often due to increased absorption of calcium from the gut. However, in chronic kidney disease (CKD), the kidneys’ ability to activate vitamin D is impaired, leading to decreased calcium absorption from the gut, not increased. Therefore, hypercalcemia is not a typical sign of CKD.
Choice B rationale
A positive Chvostek’s sign is indicative of hypocalcemia, which is a common symptom in CKD. The kidneys’ reduced ability to activate vitamin D leads to decreased calcium absorption from the gut, resulting in low calcium levels in the blood. This hypocalcemia can cause neuromuscular irritability, leading to a positive Chvostek’s sign.
Choice C rationale
Tetany is a condition characterized by muscle cramps and spasms, often due to hypocalcemia. In CKD, hypocalcemia occurs due to the kidneys’ inability to activate vitamin D, leading to decreased calcium absorption from the gut. This hypocalcemia can cause hyperexcitability of nerves and muscles, resulting in tetany.
Choice D rationale
Hyperphosphatemia is characterized by high phosphate levels in the blood. In CKD, the kidneys’ ability to excrete phosphate is impaired, leading to its accumulation in the blood. However, this is not directly related to the inability to absorb phosphate from the gut but rather the kidneys’ reduced excretion capacity.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A positive Brudzinski’s sign is indicative of meningitis. It involves involuntary lifting of the legs when the neck is flexed, suggesting meningeal irritation.
Choice B rationale
A positive Babinski’s sign indicates central nervous system pathology but is not specific to meningitis. It involves dorsiflexion of the big toe when the sole of the foot is stimulated.
Choice C rationale
A positive Romberg’s sign indicates issues with proprioception and balance but is not specific to meningitis. It involves swaying or falling when standing with eyes closed.
Choice D rationale
A positive Murphy’s sign indicates gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis) and is not related to meningitis. It involves pain on palpation of the right upper quadrant during inspiration.