You are caring for a client with sepsis who is an alcoholic. When the client's vital signs are taken, her temperature is low. The nurse's aide asks you whether the client is getting better because she doesn't have a fever. What is the best answer you could give the nurse's aide?
A) "Yes, all clients who are septic have fever."
B) "Clients in sepsis sometimes have a fever and sometimes they don't."
C) "No, it means the sepsis is caused by a virus instead of bacteria."
D) "Clients who are addicted to alcohol may not have a fever even though they have an infection."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Clients who are addicted to alcohol may not have a fever even though they have an infection. This is because alcohol can suppress the immune system, resulting in an atypical presentation of signs and symptoms. Therefore, the absence of a fever does not necessarily indicate that the client is getting better, and it is important to continue monitoring for other signs of sepsis.

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