The ‘cold viruses’ are spread rapidly from person to person. Children are the major reservoir of cold viruses, often acquiring a new virus from another child in school or day care. In class, we talked about the greatest source of spread, and the most common portals for entry of the virus. What is the greatest source of spread?

Choice A reason: The nasal compartment refers to the nasal cavity, not specific colored areas. Paranasal sinuses are air-filled cavities around the nose, often highlighted in anatomical diagrams, making this an incorrect term for the described structures.

Choice B reason: Paranasal sinuses, including frontal, ethmoid, sphenoid, and maxillary sinuses, are air-filled cavities around the nasal cavity, often colored in anatomical images. This matches the question’s reference to colored areas, making it the correct term.

Choice C reason: Runny nose describes a symptom (rhinorrhea), not anatomical structures. The question refers to colored areas, likely in a diagram, which aligns with sinuses, not a clinical condition, making this an incorrect choice.

Choice D reason: Olfactory bulbs are neural structures for smell, located above the nasal cavity, not typically colored as distinct areas in sinus diagrams. Paranasal sinuses are the highlighted structures, making this an incorrect term for the described areas.

Choice A reason: Monitoring urine output is critical in sepsis-induced DIC, as it reflects renal perfusion and organ function. Decreased output may indicate hypoperfusion or acute kidney injury from microthrombi, common in DIC, making this a priority assessment to guide fluid and supportive therapy.

Choice B reason: White blood cell count is relevant in sepsis but less specific for DIC progression. It indicates infection severity but does not directly assess DIC’s coagulopathy or organ impact, making it a lower-priority assessment compared to organ function indicators.

Choice C reason: Level of consciousness is a priority, as DIC can cause cerebral microthrombi or hemorrhage, leading to neurological changes. Altered consciousness signals potential brain involvement or systemic hypoperfusion, necessitating immediate intervention, making this a critical assessment in sepsis with DIC.

Choice D reason: Weight assessment is not a priority in acute sepsis with DIC, as it does not directly reflect coagulopathy or organ dysfunction. Fluid shifts may occur, but urine output and other vital signs are more immediate indicators, making this non-essential.

Choice E reason: Oxygen saturation is crucial, as DIC can impair pulmonary perfusion through microthrombi, causing hypoxemia. Sepsis also increases oxygen demand, and low saturation indicates respiratory compromise, making this a priority assessment to ensure adequate oxygenation.