The client is identified by the nurse as having a remittent fever. The

The client is identified by the nurse as having a remittent fever. The student asks what that means and the nurse explains that a remittent fever is:

1. A constant body temperature above 100.4° F with little fluctuation
2. Spikes that are interspersed with normal temperatures within 24 hours
3. Spikes and falls in temperature, but temperature does not return to the normal limits
4. Periods of febrile episodes interspersed with normal body temperatures

ANSWER

ANS: 3
A remittent fever spikes and falls without a return to normal temperature levels.
A sustained fever is a constant body temperature continuously above 38° C (100.4° F) that demonstrates little fluctuation. An intermittent fever has fever spikes interspersed with usual temperature levels. Temperature returns to acceptable levels at least once in 24 hours.
A relapsing fever has periods of febrile episodes interspersed with acceptable temperature values.