A 20-Year-Old Female College Student Is Admitted to the Intensive

question 79

Multiple Choice

A 20-year-old female college student is admitted to the intensive care unit from the emergency department. The patient lives in a dormitory at her university and her roommate brought her to the hospital because "she is not acting like herself." The patient was previously healthy to the roommate's knowledge, involved in campus activities, and an excellent student. The RN collects the patient's history of present illness from her roommate. About two weeks prior, the patient began feeling ill. She had nasal congestion and was diagnosed with a sinus infection at the student health clinic. However, the patient reportedly decided against taking the prescribed antibiotics because she did not believe they were necessary. She developed high fevers and one day ago began complaining of a stiff neck. That morning, she was more lethargic, making nonsensical statements, and had a fever of 105°F. Her roommate was frightened by her change in behavior and drove her to the hospital.
-Based upon the patient's symptoms,which of the following tests is most important to obtain a diagnosis?

• A)CT scan
• B)Chest X-ray
• C)Complete blood count
• D)Lumbar puncture

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Definitions:

Analogue Experiment

An experimental design used to study a particular phenomenon by replicating it or simulating it in a controlled environment, especially when direct experimentation is not possible.

Disasters

Severe, often sudden events that cause great damage or loss of life, such as natural catastrophes or human-made crises.

Longitudinal

Longitudinal refers to research designs that involve repeated observations or measurements of the same subjects over a period of time.

Epidemiological

Relating to the study and analysis of the distribution, patterns, and determinants of health and disease conditions in defined populations.