A Patient with a High Fever Has an Accelerated Metabolism

question 25

Multiple Choice

A patient with a high fever has an accelerated metabolism and is producing abnormally high amounts of carbon dioxide at the cellular level. To compensate, which one of the following will occur?

• A) Decreased levels of acid in the blood
• B) Decreased respiratory rate
• C) Decreased depth of breathing
• D) Increased respiratory rate

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Definitions:

Oxygenated Blood

Blood that has been enriched with oxygen through the process of respiration in the lungs and is ready to be delivered to cells throughout the body.

Digoxin Toxicity

A condition resulting from an overdose of digoxin, a medication used to treat heart conditions, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Vomiting

The forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth, often as a reflex action to remove harmful substances or due to illness.

Bradypnea

An abnormally slow breathing rate, which can be indicative of a respiratory or metabolic problem.