Your patient had abdominal surgery three days ago. She seemed to be doing well after the surgery, but today the skin around the surgical incision is red and swollen. In addition, your patient has a high fever and is complaining of muscle aches. She also has a rash and has diarrhea. You realize that her wound has become infected, despite your best efforts as a nurse, and you are concerned that she has developed toxic shock syndrome. You explain the details of this type of infection to the patient's family.

-The fact that your patient has a high fever, a rash and muscle aches suggests the possibility of toxic shock syndrome, which means that the causative agent of her infection is

Question

-The fact that your patient has a high fever, a rash and muscle aches suggests the possibility of toxic shock syndrome, which means that the causative agent of her infection is

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described in the patient suggest toxic shock syndrome, which is caused by superantigen-producing strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Option A is incorrect as it doesn't mention the superantigen. Option B is incorrect as S. epidermidis is not a common cause of toxic shock syndrome. Option C is incorrect as capsule and biofilm formation are not directly related to toxic shock syndrome. Option E is incorrect as S. epidermidis does not produce superantigens.

Your Patient Had Abdominal Surgery Three Days Ago