Final answer:
When a PCT finds a patient with a fever, they should inform the medical team. Further diagnostic tests may be necessary to identify the cause, leading to tailored treatment. An infrared thermograph showing temperature abnormalities may indicate a need for additional tests to explore potential serious conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a Patient Care Technician (PCT) notes a patient's temperature is higher than normal, immediate action is required. Vital signs are critical in assessing a patient's health, and a fever is a clear indicator of potential infection or disease. Given that vital signs such as body temperature, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure provide insight into the body's basic functions, any deviation from the normal range warrants further investigation.
If a fever is present, the PCT should report this finding to the nursing staff or physician. They may suggest additional tests, such as blood tests, urinalysis, or imaging, to determine the cause of the fever. Depending on the underlying condition revealed by these tests, appropriate treatment may include antibiotics for an infection, antipyretics for fever management, or other specific therapies tailored to the diagnosis.
In the context of temperature abnormalities observed through an infrared thermograph, such as those depicted in Figure 13.7, additional testing might be performed to investigate for malignant tissue or circulatory problems, which could include diagnostic imaging or a biopsy.