A mother is admitted to the emergency department following complaints of fever and chills. The nurse on duty took her vital signs and noted the following: Temp = 100 °F; apical pulse = 95; respiration = 20 and deep. Measurement of arterial blood gas shows pH 7.37, PaO2 90 mm Hg, PaCO2 40 mm Hg, and HCO3 24 mmol/L. What is your assessment?
A. Hyperthermia
B. Hyperthermia and Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Hypothermia
D. Hypothermia and Respiratory Alkalosis
Correct Answer: A. Hyperthermia
An individual is considered to have hyperthermia if he or she has a temperature of >37.5 or 38.3 °C (99.5 or 100.9 °F). The measurement of arterial blood gases are normal.