Which question is most appropriate when assessing a patient who is exhibiting symptoms of a systemic infection including a fever of unknown origin?
a. "Are you an intravenous drug user?"
b. "Have you been told that you drink too much alcohol?"
c. "Have you been diagnosed with an acute bacterial infection before?"
d. "Are you familiar with an infection of the heart called endocarditis?"
ANS: A
Intravenous drug users are at risk for subacute bacterial endocarditis and other circulatory compromise created by foreign substances introduced during the process of intravenous use. Regardless of the setting, nurses need to ask about intravenous drug use whenever a patient presents with fever of unexplained origin. Assessing the patient's knowledge related to bac-terial infections and endocarditis will not address the possible cause of the fever. Alcohol consumption is not relevant in this situation.
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