A patient with a systemic bacterial infection feels cold and has a shaking chill. Which assessment finding will the nurse expect next?
a. Skin flushing
b. Muscle cramps
c. Rising body temperature
d. Decreasing blood pressure
ANS: C
The patient's complaints of feeling cold and shivering indicate that the hypothalamic set point for temperature has been increased and the temperature is increasing. Because associated peripheral vasoconstriction and sympathetic nervous system stimulation will occur, skin flushing and hypotension are not expected. Muscle cramps are not expected with chills and shivering or with a rising temperature.
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An organic disease is one in which no morphologic abnormalities can be identified even though body functions may be profoundly disturbed
Indicate whether the statement is true or false