A patient with a systemic bacterial infection feels cold and has a shaking chill. Which assessment finding will the nurse expect next?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Rising body temperature. When a patient with a systemic bacterial infection experiences a shaking chill, it indicates that the body is trying to generate heat to combat the infection. The next assessment finding the nurse would expect is a rising body temperature as the body's immune response kicks in to fight off the infection. Skin flushing (choice A) is less likely as the patient is feeling cold initially. Muscle cramps (choice B) are not typically associated with this scenario. Decreasing blood pressure (choice D) may be a later complication but is not the immediate next assessment finding after a shaking chill.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because basophils are not only involved in the general inflammatory process but are primarily associated with allergic reactions. Basophils release histamine and other chemicals that contribute to allergic responses. Choice B is incorrect because eosinophils do increase during allergic reactions and parasitic invasion. Choice C is correct as macrophages are known to participate in multiple episodes of phagocytosis, clearing pathogens and debris. Choice D is also correct as monocytes do differentiate into macrophages once they enter body tissues to perform their immune functions.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Spironolactone (Aldactone). Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can lead to hyperkalemia due to its mechanism of action, which inhibits aldosterone. Aldosterone promotes potassium excretion, so inhibiting it can lead to potassium retention and hyperkalemia. Hydrochlorothiazide (A) is a thiazide diuretic that can actually cause hypokalemia. Furosemide (B) is a loop diuretic that also can lead to hypokalemia by increasing potassium excretion. Acetazolamide (C) is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor diuretic and is not associated with significant effects on potassium levels.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Decreased cardiac output. In a patient with STEMI, a low blood pressure and high heart rate indicate decreased cardiac output, which is a life-threatening condition. Addressing this issue is crucial to prevent further complications like cardiogenic shock. Anxiety (A), acute pain (B), and stress management (C) are important but not immediate priorities in this scenario. Managing the patient's hemodynamic stability is paramount to ensure adequate tissue perfusion and prevent further deterioration.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Echocardiography. This is because echocardiography is a non-invasive imaging test that can help visualize the pericardium and assess for signs of pericarditis. It can show if there is fluid around the heart or any inflammation. Blood cultures (A) are not typically used to diagnose pericarditis, as it is not an infectious process. Cardiac catheterization (C) is an invasive procedure used to evaluate coronary artery disease, not pericarditis. 24-hour Holter monitor (D) is used to monitor heart rhythms over a period of time and is not typically used in the initial diagnosis of acute pericarditis.