Foundations and Adult Health Nursing Test Bank Related

Review Foundations and Adult Health Nursing Test Bank related questions and content

A patient presents with fever, headache, and a maculopapular rash that started on the face and spread to the trunk and extremities. Laboratory tests reveal leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Which of the following is the most likely causative agent?

  • A. Borrelia burgdorferi
  • B. Plasmodium falciparum
  • C. Rickettsia rickettsii
  • D. Leishmania donovani
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The clinical presentation described with fever, headache, maculopapular rash starting on the face and spreading to the trunk and extremities, along with leukopenia and thrombocytopenia suggests a likely diagnosis of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), which is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii.