Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam (NACE) PN-RN Practice Test

What pattern of fever is indicated when a patient's temperature exhibits spikes and falls but never returns to normal?

1. Remittent

2. Relapsing

3. Intermittent

4. Sustained

The correct answer is: Remittent

The pattern of fever described is characteristic of a remittent fever. In this type, the patient's temperature exhibits significant fluctuations, typically rising and falling without ever returning to the normal baseline. This creates a scenario where temperatures may be elevated but not consistently high, with visible drops that do not lead back to normal levels. Remittent fever can be seen in various infections or inflammatory processes where the body's response is notable for its variability. It's often associated with conditions such as pneumonia or certain types of viral infections. In contrast, a relapsing fever involves episodes of fever that are separated by periods of normal temperature, while an intermittent fever features spikes of fever with periods of normal temperatures in between. Sustained fever, on the other hand, refers to a consistent temperature that remains elevated without significant variation. Understanding these distinctions helps in recognizing the physiological patterns of fever, which can aid in the diagnostic process.