A client suddenly spikes a fever of 103°F. What respiratory rate might the nurse anticipate as a response?

A client suddenly spikes a fever of 103°F. What respiratory rate might the nurse anticipate as a response?

• A. 18 breaths/min
• B. 20 breaths/min
• C. 22 breaths/min
• D. 24 breaths/min

Answer: (C)

When a client experiences a sudden spike in fever, the body's metabolic rate increases as it responds to the elevated temperature. This increased metabolic demand typically leads to a compensatory mechanism in which the respiratory rate increases to ensure adequate oxygen delivery to tissues and to facilitate the removal of carbon dioxide. A fever can stimulate the respiratory center in the brain, leading to an increase in respiratory rate. In adults, it is common for the respiratory rate to rise by approximately 2 to 4 breaths per minute for each degree of fever above the normal temperature. Therefore, a fever of 103°F, which is around 1.5°F above the average normal temperature of 98.6°F, could result in an increase of around 5 to 10 breaths per minute, bringing the total respiratory rate to a range above 20 breaths per minute. The choice of a respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute reflects this physiological response, as it indicates a moderate increase in respiration that aligns with the body's need for additional oxygen and ventilation in the context of fever. Thus, 22 breaths per minute represents a reasonable expectation given the stress the body is under during febrile illness.

When a client experiences a sudden spike in fever, the body's metabolic rate increases as it responds to the elevated temperature. This increased metabolic demand typically leads to a compensatory mechanism in which the respiratory rate increases to ensure adequate oxygen delivery to tissues and to facilitate the removal of carbon dioxide.

A fever can stimulate the respiratory center in the brain, leading to an increase in respiratory rate. In adults, it is common for the respiratory rate to rise by approximately 2 to 4 breaths per minute for each degree of fever above the normal temperature. Therefore, a fever of 103°F, which is around 1.5°F above the average normal temperature of 98.6°F, could result in an increase of around 5 to 10 breaths per minute, bringing the total respiratory rate to a range above 20 breaths per minute.

The choice of a respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute reflects this physiological response, as it indicates a moderate increase in respiration that aligns with the body's need for additional oxygen and ventilation in the context of fever. Thus, 22 breaths per minute represents a reasonable expectation given the stress the body is under during febrile illness.