The nurse is caring for a patient with gastroenteritis. He not only has diarrhea and dehydration but also complains of feeling very warm. What systemic response may the patient experience with this inflammatory infection?
Redness of the anus
Stomatitis
Intestinal inflammation
Increased body temperature
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Redness of the anus is a local response to irritation from frequent diarrhea in gastroenteritis, not a systemic response. Systemic responses involve the whole body, like fever, driven by cytokine release. Anal redness is a localized tissue reaction, not reflective of the broader inflammatory process in this infection.
Choice B reason: Stomatitis, or mouth inflammation, is not a systemic response to gastroenteritis. It may occur in specific infections (e.g., herpes) but is not typical in gastroenteritis, which primarily affects the intestines, causing diarrhea and dehydration. Systemic responses involve fever or leukocytosis, not localized oral inflammation, making this choice incorrect.
Choice C reason: Intestinal inflammation is a local response in gastroenteritis, causing diarrhea and abdominal pain. Systemic responses, like fever, result from cytokines (e.g., IL-1, IL-6) released during infection, affecting the entire body. Intestinal inflammation is the primary pathology, not a systemic effect, so this does not fit the question’s focus.
Choice D reason: Increased body temperature (fever) is a systemic response to gastroenteritis, triggered by cytokines (e.g., IL-1, TNF) released during infection. These signal the hypothalamus to raise body temperature, enhancing immune response. The patient’s feeling of warmth aligns with fever, a common systemic manifestation of inflammatory infections like gastroenteritis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: CPTT (likely a typo for aPTT, activated partial thromboplastin time) measures clotting time in the intrinsic pathway, used to monitor heparin therapy. It does not detect protein fragments from fibrinolysis. In DVT, aPTT is normal unless anticoagulation is involved, making it unhelpful for detecting fibrin degradation products.
Choice B reason: INR (international normalized ratio) assesses the extrinsic clotting pathway, primarily for warfarin monitoring. It does not measure fibrin degradation products like D-dimer. In DVT, INR is typically normal unless the patient is on anticoagulants, so it is not useful for confirming fibrinolysis or diagnosing DVT.
Choice C reason: Impedance plethysmography is a non-invasive test measuring blood flow changes in veins, used to detect DVT by identifying obstructions. It does not measure protein fragments or fibrinolysis products. It assesses physical blood flow, not biochemical markers, making it irrelevant for detecting fibrin degradation in DVT.
Choice D reason: D-dimer is a specific test for fibrin degradation products, elevated in DVT due to fibrinolysis of clots. A high D-dimer indicates active clot breakdown, supporting DVT diagnosis. It is sensitive but not specific, requiring imaging confirmation, but it directly addresses the question of detecting protein fragments from fibrinolysis.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Fluid imbalance is appropriate, as DIC involves bleeding and clotting, requiring blood component replacement (e.g., platelets, plasma). This can disrupt fluid balance, causing hypovolemia from bleeding or overload from transfusions. Monitoring and managing fluid status is critical to prevent complications like shock or edema in DIC patients.
Choice B reason: Risk for impaired skin integrity is relevant, as DIC causes microthrombi, leading to tissue ischemia, and bleeding, causing bruising or petechiae. These increase the risk of skin breakdown, especially in prolonged immobility. This diagnosis addresses potential complications from DIC’s vascular and hemorrhagic effects, requiring skin monitoring and care.
Choice C reason: Risk for hypervolemia associated with bleeding is incorrect, as bleeding in DIC causes hypovolemia, not hypervolemia. Fluid overload may occur from excessive transfusions, but bleeding itself reduces volume. This diagnosis is inaccurate, as DIC’s primary fluid issue is loss, not excess, making it inappropriate for the care plan.
Choice D reason: Anxiety is a valid diagnosis in DIC due to its life-threatening nature and uncertain prognosis. Patients may experience fear from bleeding, organ failure risks, or hospitalization. Addressing anxiety through support and communication is appropriate, as it impacts psychological well-being and coping during this critical illness, supporting holistic care.
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