Question

The incubation period is the first stage of the infection process. This period is marked by pain and a headache. This is followed by the prodromal stage, the interval from the onset of nonspecific signs and symptoms such as malaise and fatigue to more specific symptoms. The interval when a patient manifests signs and symptoms specific to the type of infection, such as a high fever and parotid swelling, is the _____ stage.

a) Convalescence

b) Illness

c) Prodromal

d) Incubation

Bronchoscopy bypasses the natural defenses of the body and predisposes the patient to HAIs. Broad-spectrum antibiotics suppress the normal flora and promote the growth of resistant strains of microorganisms. An indwelling urinary catheter bypasses the natural defenses and also serves as a port of entry for microorganisms. Diabetes mellitus suppresses the body's immunity and increases the risk of HAIs. Fever does not affect the natural defense mechanism and therefore does not increase the risk of HAIs. a)True b)False

Answer 1

The interval when a patient shows specific signs and symptoms of an infection is known as the illness stage. It is true that certain procedures like bronchoscopy and conditions such as using broad-spectrum antibiotics can increase the risk of HAIs, while fever does not significantly increase this risk.

Step-by-step explanation:

The stage when a patient manifests signs and symptoms specific to the type of infection, such as a high fever and parotid swelling, is the illness stage. The prodromal period occurs after the incubation period and is characterized by nonspecific signs and symptoms such as malaise and fatigue. Following the prodromal period, the illness period ensues where the disease's signs and symptoms become more specific and severe. After the illness period, the decline begins, where symptoms decrease, but the immune system might be weakened, and then the convalescence stage occurs, where the patient generally returns to normal functions.

With regards to the second statement, it is true that certain medical procedures and conditions, such as the use of bronchoscopy, broad-spectrum antibiotics, indwelling urinary catheters, and health conditions like diabetes mellitus, can increase the risk of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). However, fever typically is a part of the body's immune response rather than a factor that affects the natural defense mechanisms in a way that would increase the risk of HAIs.