The fever in which temperature alternates at regular intervals between periods of fever and periods of normal temperature is called-

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2023

Explanation

Intermittent fever is defined by a pattern where body temperature elevates but returns to normal (afebrile) at least once within a 24-hour period.
This pattern reflects an exaggerated circadian rhythm, with temperature spikes followed by periods of normal temperature.
The key characteristic that matches the question is the return to normal temperature between febrile episodes.
Malaria is a classic example where fever spikes occur periodically (e.g., every 48 or 72 hours) with normal temperatures in between.

Option A: In remittent fever, the temperature fluctuates but never returns to the normal baseline during a 24-hour period.
Option C: Relapsing fever involves febrile periods separated by longer intervals of normal temperature, typically lasting for one or more days, not just hours within a day.
Option D: Constant or sustained fever shows minimal fluctuation and consistently remains above the normal temperature range.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Types of Fever Patterns as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Accurately identifying and documenting the fever pattern is a critical nursing responsibility as it can help the medical team narrow down potential diagnoses.
For example, an intermittent fever pattern might prompt an investigation for malaria, especially with a relevant travel history, while a constant fever could suggest typhoid.
What if? If the patient's temperature fluctuated between 38.5°C and 39.5°C over 24 hours without ever reaching the normal 37°C, the correct classification would be remittent fever, not intermittent.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of medical terminology.
First, carefully read the definition provided in the question stem: 'temperature alternates at regular intervals between periods of fever and periods of normal temperature'.
Focus on the key phrase: 'alternates... between fever and normal temperature'.
Recall the definitions of the four types of fever provided in the options.
Match the definition in the question to the correct term. 'Intermittent' means occurring at irregular intervals, but in this medical context, it specifically refers to fever that comes and goes, returning to normal.
Eliminate the other options based on their definitions: 'Remittent' (fluctuates but stays high), 'Relapsing' (longer periods of normal temperature), and 'Constant' (stays high with minimal change).

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Types of Fever Patterns
Stem keywords: fever, temperature, alternates, regular intervals, normal temperature
Lead-in keywords: is called

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 118-120

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 1642-1644

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