T2 - L10 INVESTIGATION OF INFECTIONS Flashcards
what is a system specific symptom?
a symptom that relates to an isolated body system
e.g. cough = respiratory
a cough is system specific symptom of what body system?
respiratory
neck stiffness is system specific symptom of what body system?
CNS
bony pain is system specific symptom of what body system?
orthopaedic
skin pain/redness is system specific symptom of what body system?
skin and soft tissue
dysuria is system specific symptom of what body system?
urinary
what is meant by dysuria?
Painful or difficult urination.
what are non-specific symptoms?
don’t relate to one specific body system
e.g. fever, chills, sweating, confusion
When symptoms suggest a diagnosis of infection, what other information can help identify
potential pathogens?
- travel
- occupation
- animal contact
- hobbies
- sexual history
what is pyrexia?
fever
body temperature above 38 degrees
what are symptoms of pyrexia?
- fever “burning up”
- chills, sweats/night sweats
- rigors
how are rigors different from seizures?
the patient is conscious for the duration of rigors
lung crackles is system specific symptom of what body system?
respiratory
when would a blood procalcitonin test be requested?
- to diagnose sepsis
- helps to form antibiotic decision
- differentiates between bacterial and viral infections
why would you use a Blood C-reactive protein test?
To identify the presence of inflammation, to determine its severity, and to monitor response to treatment.
- c-reactive protein is produced by the liver following tissue damage
