You Have Been Called for a 79-Year-Old Female Complaining of Shortness

You have been called for a 79-year-old female complaining of shortness of breath. Due to the increased respiratory rate, cough, and production of discolored sputum, you are suspicious of pneumonia. A family member asks you how she can have pneumonia, when her temperature is only 97.9°F. Your best response is:

A) "It is not uncommon for the elderly to have pneumonia without the signs of high fever or chills."
B) "You will have to ask the doctor because I cannot give out medical information."
C) "There is less need for an increased body temperature since the elderly have a higher number of white blood cells."
D) "Higher blood pressure, typically seen in the elderly, tends to inhibit the body from producing a fever."