NORCET 7 Prelims -2024: What is the condition represented in the graph shown?

NORCET 7 Prelims -2024

Medical Surgical Nursing

Medium

Appeared in: NORCET 7 Prelims -2024

Explanation

Remittent fever is defined as a fever where the temperature fluctuates but does not return to the normal baseline.
The provided graph clearly shows the temperature varying between 38°C and 40°C.
At no point in the graph does the temperature line touch or go below the normal body temperature of approximately 37°C.
The fluctuations are significant, exceeding 1°C, which is a key feature of remittent fever.

Option A: In intermittent fever, the temperature returns to normal (or even subnormal) at least once within a 24-hour period. The graph shows the temperature always stays above 38°C.
Option B: Inverted fever describes the timing of the fever peak (highest in the morning, lowest in the evening), which is the reverse of the normal daily pattern. The graph does not provide information about the time of day.
Option D: Continuous fever is characterized by a persistently elevated temperature with minimal fluctuations, typically less than 1°C (2°F) over 24 hours. The graph shows large fluctuations of about 2°C.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification of fever patterns from a temperature chart as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Recognizing different fever patterns is a crucial nursing skill that can provide diagnostic clues to the underlying cause of an illness.
Remittent fever is often associated with conditions like infective endocarditis, brucellosis, and some viral infections.
Accurate temperature charting and pattern identification can help the healthcare team narrow down potential diagnoses and initiate appropriate treatment more quickly.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully examine the provided graph. Identify the labels on the x-axis (Time) and y-axis (Temperature in Celsius).
Observe the pattern of the temperature line. Note the highest point (peak) and the lowest point (trough) of the fluctuations.
Determine if the temperature ever returns to the normal baseline, which is approximately 37°C (98.6°F). In this graph, the lowest point is 38°C, so it never returns to normal.
Note the magnitude of the fluctuations. Here, the temperature varies from 38°C to about 40°C, a significant fluctuation.
Recall the definitions of the different fever types: continuous (minimal fluctuation, above normal), remittent (significant fluctuation, above normal), and intermittent (returns to normal).
Match the observed pattern (significant fluctuation, always above normal) with the correct definition, which is remittent fever.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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