Florida Nursing Assistant Competency Pracrice Exam

What is a common sign of infection that a nurse aide should watch for?

1. Increased energy levels

2. Excessive sweating

3. Fever and increased heart rate

4. Decreased appetite only

The correct answer is: Fever and increased heart rate

A common sign of infection that nurse aides should monitor for is the presence of fever and increased heart rate. Fever typically indicates that the body is responding to an infection by activating the immune system. When pathogens invade the body, the immune response may lead to fever as the body raises its temperature to create an environment less favorable for the infection to thrive. In addition to fever, an elevated heart rate can also signify that the body is working harder to deliver blood and oxygen to tissues in response to the infection. The heart rate may increase as part of the physiological response to stress, which is often caused by illness. While excessive sweating can also occur during certain infections, it is not as definitive a sign of infection as fever and increased heart rate. Increased energy levels would not typically be associated with infection; in fact, most individuals with an infection experience fatigue. Decreased appetite is a symptom that may accompany sickness but is less specific than fever and increased heart rate in indicating the presence of an infection. Thus, monitoring for both fever and heart rate provides a clearer indication of the body's response to potential infections.