A type of fever in which, after every 24 hours, the body temperature comes to a normal level is known as?

NORCET 1 - 2020

Medical Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: NORCET 1 - 2020

Explanation

Intermittent fever is characterized by temperature spikes that return to a normal baseline at least once every 24 hours.
This pattern reflects an exaggerated circadian rhythm, where the body's temperature regulation system brings the temperature down to normal between febrile episodes.
The question's description of the body temperature coming to a normal level every 24 hours directly matches the definition of intermittent fever.
This pattern is clinically significant as it can point towards specific infectious processes, such as malaria or sepsis.

Option B: In continued fever (also known as sustained fever), the body temperature remains elevated above normal with very little fluctuation (less than 1°C or 2°F) throughout the 24-hour period. It does not return to normal.
Option C: In remittent fever, the body temperature fluctuates, often by more than 1°C (2°F), but it never returns to a normal level within the 24-hour period. The temperature remains elevated at all times.
Option D: Relapsing fever involves periods of fever lasting for several days, followed by periods of normal temperature that also last for one or more days. The cycle is much longer than 24 hours.

Visual 1: Graph - A comparative line graph showing temperature fluctuations over several days for intermittent, remittent, continued, and relapsing fevers. This helps visualize the defining patterns of each type, with the x-axis representing time (days) and the y-axis representing body temperature.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification of fever patterns based on temperature fluctuation over time as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Accurately identifying and documenting a patient's fever pattern is a critical nursing skill. It provides valuable diagnostic clues to the healthcare team about the potential underlying cause of the illness.
For instance, observing an intermittent fever pattern in a patient with a recent travel history to an endemic area would raise suspicion for malaria and prompt specific diagnostic tests.
Nursing interventions include regular temperature monitoring, administering antipyretics as prescribed, ensuring adequate hydration, and observing for other signs of infection or complications.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core task: The question asks you to match a specific definition of a fever pattern to its correct medical term.
Next, analyze the keywords in the question stem. The most crucial phrases are 'after every 24 hours' and 'comes to a normal level'.
Recall the definitions of the four main fever patterns provided in the options: Intermittent, Continued, Remittent, and Relapsing.
Compare the pattern described in the question (fever with a return to normal daily) with the definition of each option.
Intermittent fever is defined as a temperature that returns to normal at least once every 24 hours, which is a perfect match.
Eliminate the other options by confirming they do not match: Continued (always high), Remittent (fluctuates but never normal), and Relapsing (afebrile periods last for days, not hours).

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Classification of fever patterns based on temperature fluctuation over time.
Stem keywords: fever, 24 hours, body temperature, normal level
Lead-in keywords: type of fever

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