Colorado CNA Practice Exam

Which indicators should a nursing assistant monitor to identify a fever in residents?

1. Increased appetite

2. Muscle aches

3. Unusually high energy levels

4. Unexplained weight gain

The correct answer is: Muscle aches

A key indicator that a nursing assistant should monitor to identify a fever in residents is muscle aches. When a person has a fever, especially due to an infection, the body's immune response can lead to muscle soreness or discomfort as the body reacts to fight off illness. This is caused by the inflammatory processes that occur during a fever, making muscle aches a common symptom. Increased appetite is generally not associated with fever; instead, many individuals may experience a decreased appetite when they are unwell. Unusually high energy levels would be atypical, as fever often leads to fatigue rather than increased energy. Unexplained weight gain is also unrelated to fever; during illness, especially with fever, weight loss can occur due to decreased intake or increased metabolic rate. Therefore, monitoring muscle aches can help nursing assistants recognize signs of fever and take appropriate action.