ATI Fundamentals Proctored Exam 2024 Related

Review ATI Fundamentals Proctored Exam 2024 related questions and content

A patient is kept off food and fluids for 10 hours before surgery. His oral temperature at 8 a.m. is 99.8°F (37.7°C). This temperature reading probably indicates:

  • A. Infection
  • B. Hypothermia
  • C. Anxiety
  • D. Dehydration
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A patient being kept off food and fluids before surgery can lead to dehydration. Dehydration can cause a slight increase in body temperature, which could explain the elevated oral temperature reading of 99.8°F (37.7°C) in this scenario. Infections are more likely to cause higher fevers, hypothermia would present with a lower temperature, and anxiety typically does not directly affect body temperature in this manner.