A 20-year-old female attending college is found unconscious in her dorm room. She has a fever and a noticeable rash. She has just been admitted to the hospital.. Blood cultures

A 20-year-old female attending college is found unconscious in her dorm room.

She has a fever and a noticeable rash. She has just been admitted to the hospital. Which of the following tests is most likely to be performed first?

• A. Blood sugar check
• B. CT scan
• C. Blood cultures
• D. Arterial blood gases

Answer: C. Blood cultures

Blood cultures would be performed to investigate the fever and rash symptoms.

Safety Guidelines Incorporated:

One of the first things the doctors will do is order blood cultures. Blood cultures are a test that is used to check for bacteria in the blood. The test is done by taking a sample of the patient's blood and placing it in a special bottle that contains nutrients. The bottle is then placed in an incubator, which is a warm environment that allows the bacteria to grow. If there are bacteria in the blood, they will grow in the bottle and can be identified and treated.

Blood cultures are an important test for diagnosing sepsis, which is a serious infection that can lead to organ failure and death. Sepsis is more common in young people and people with weakened immune systems.

Other tests:

Other tests that the doctors may order include:

- Complete blood count (CBC):

This test measures the different types of cells in the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

- Basic metabolic panel (BMP):

This test measures the levels of electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, and other important substances in the blood.

- Urinalysis:

This test analyzes the urine for signs of infection, such as bacteria and white blood cells.

- Chest X-ray:

This test can be used to look for signs of pneumonia, which is an infection of the lungs.

Treatment:

The treatment for the patient will depend on the cause of the infection. If the patient has sepsis, she will need to be treated with intravenous antibiotics. She may also need other supportive care, such as fluids and oxygen.

If the patient has a viral infection, such as the flu, there is no specific treatment. The patient will need to rest and drink plenty of fluids. She may also need over-the-counter medications to relieve her symptoms.

Prognosis:

The prognosis for the patient will depend on the cause of the infection and the severity of the infection. Most patients with infections make a full recovery. However, some patients with severe infections may develop complications, such as organ failure.