Case Study

A nurse is working in a community health center and is caring for a 5-year-old child who was diagnosed as having a right ear infection. When collecting the nursing history, the mother states that the child has had a fever to 102 F for 2 days, has been irritable, and complained of being tired. The child has been drinking fluids well but not eating. The physician describes the tympanic membrane as erythematous, bulging with fluid levels, and dull. The nurse collects the following vital signs: T 102, (Rectal), Pulse 110, and Respirations 18.

1). Fever is often considered to be associated with a bacterial infection. How does the body regulate temperature? Why is fever often associated with bacterial infections?

2). Which of the clinical manifestations given are associated with a localized inflammatory response? What physiological factors are responsible for the development of these manifestations?

3). If the physician ordered a complete blood count, what would you expect to see if there is a bacterial infection?

4). Which of the above manifestations are related to a systemic response to the infection?