Question 1

A patient has a fever of unknown etiology and blood tests reveal elevated eosinophils. The patient has no history of asthma or allergies. What may be the cause of this fever?&#10;A) Animal bite&#10;B) Endocarditis&#10;C) Lymphoma&#10;D) Parasites

Accepted Answer

Elevated eosinophils can often indicate a parasitic infection, even in the absence of a history of allergies or asthma. Therefore, the most likely cause of the fever in this scenario is a parasitic infection. Animal bites and endocarditis may also lead to an elevated eosinophil count, but these would typically be associated with other symptoms or risk factors not mentioned in the question. Lymphoma may also lead to eosinophilia, but it is less likely to present with a fever as the sole symptom.

Question 2

Which patients with fever should generally be treated with antipyretics? (Select all that apply.)&#10;A) Children between the ages of 3 months to 5 years&#10;B) Patients taking antibiotics to treat infection&#10;C) Patients with temperature greater than 41 $\degree$C&#10;D) Patients with urinary tract infection&#10;E) Those with underlying cardiovascular disease&#10;

Accepted Answer

Antipyretics are generally recommended for children between the ages of 3 months to 5 years to prevent febrile seizures, for patients with temperatures greater than 41°C (105.8°F) due to the risk of serious complications at such high temperatures, and for those with underlying cardiovascular disease because fever can increase heart rate and metabolic demand, potentially exacerbating their condition.

Question 3

A patient reports daily, recurrent fever associated with sweating, chills, and recent weight loss. What may this type of fever indicate?&#10;A) An underlying disease caused by animal bites&#10;B) Fever related to an immunocompromised state&#10;C) Possible exposure to tropical diseases&#10;D) Tuberculosis (TB) or lymphoma

Accepted Answer

The symptoms described are characteristic of "night sweats," which occur as a result of sweating during sleep due to fever. Tuberculosis (TB) and lymphoma are common causes of night sweats, and the recent weight loss may indicate these conditions. Option A is incorrect as it is too generic, and Option B is also wrong because it does not explain the specific symptoms described. Option C is also unnecessary as there are other causes, such as TB and lymphoma, that are more commonly associated with the symptoms provided.

Deck 203: Fever