Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With Upper Respiratory Disorders Related

Review Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients With Upper Respiratory Disorders related questions and content

The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with coryza possibly from the rhinovirus. Vital signs are temperature: $101.2^{\circ} \mathrm{F}$, pulse: 72 beats/minute, respirations: 28 breaths/minute, blood pressure: $112 / 70$ $\mathrm{mm} \mathrm{Hg}$. Upon morning assessment, the client states a sore throat, moist cough, and watery eyes. The lungs are coarse in the bases. Which afternoon assessment finding suggests the advancement to an infectious process?

  • A. Achiness
  • B. Headache
  • C. Temperature rise
  • D. Increased respiratory rate
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Coryza refers to the common cold many times associated with a virus such as the rhinovirus. The nurse notes that the client is currently febrile. A rise in the temperature is interpreted that the client continues to have a sustained elevated temperature which suggests a bacterial infection. All viruses can include symptoms of achiness, headache, and an increase in the respiratory rate. Increased respiratory rate does not always indicate infection because it can be a sign of a multitude of other problems.