The health care provider recommends daily fiber supplements for an elderly client who is experiencing frequent constipation. What statement is important for the nurse to include when educating a client about these supplements?

Choice A reason: In fever, pyrogens reset the hypothalamic thermoregulatory set point, causing the body to raise core temperature via shivering and vasoconstriction. Once reached, diaphoresis and flushing occur to dissipate heat, preventing overheating. This statement accurately describes the body’s response to achieving the fever’s set point in pneumonia.

Choice B reason: Exogenous pyrogens (e.g., bacterial toxins) act via endogenous pyrogens (cytokines) to reset the hypothalamic, not anterior pituitary, set point. The pituitary regulates hormones, not thermoregulation. This statement is inaccurate, as it misidentifies the anatomical site and mechanism of fever induction.

Choice C reason: Hyperthermia involves uncontrolled heat gain (e.g., heat stroke), not a regulated fever like in pneumonia. The client’s diaphoresis and flushing indicate intact heat loss mechanisms, not failure. This statement is inaccurate, as fever, not hyperthermia, drives the observed symptoms in this scenario.

Choice D reason: Endogenous pyrogens (e.g., IL-1, IL-6) stimulate prostaglandins, not leukotrienes, to reset the hypothalamic set point in fever. Leukotrienes are involved in allergic responses, not thermoregulation. This statement is inaccurate, as it misattributes the biochemical mediator of fever in pneumonia.

Choice A reason: Antidepressants, like SSRIs or tricyclics, require 3-6 weeks to achieve full therapeutic effect due to gradual neuroplastic changes, including upregulation of serotonin or norepinephrine receptors. Initial synaptic monoamine increases take time to translate into mood improvement, making this statement accurate and reassuring for the patient.

Choice B reason: Expecting symptom improvement within 7 days is unrealistic, as antidepressants require weeks to alter brain chemistry effectively. Suggesting immediate follow-up implies treatment failure prematurely, which is inaccurate. Monitoring is needed, but this statement misrepresents the typical timeline for antidepressant efficacy.

Choice C reason: Lack of symptom relief in 5-7 days does not necessitate switching medications, as antidepressants typically take 3-6 weeks for effect. Early non-response does not indicate failure, as synaptic and receptor adaptations are gradual. This statement is inaccurate and may lead to unnecessary medication changes.

Choice D reason: Incomplete symptom relief at 7 days is normal, but stating remaining symptoms are permanent is inaccurate. Antidepressants often achieve partial or full response by 6-8 weeks, and adjustments can optimize outcomes. This statement is misleading, as it falsely suggests persistent symptoms are unchangeable.