If an elderly patient has pneumonia but a normal temperature of 97.9°F, how should you respond?

In the context of an elderly patient diagnosed with pneumonia who has a normal temperature of 97.9°F, it is important to recognize that older adults often exhibit atypical presentations of infections, including pneumonia. Many elderly patients may not mount a significant fever because of a reduced immune response or other physiological changes associated with aging.

This absence of high fever does not rule out the presence of pneumonia; in fact, it is not uncommon for elderly individuals to experience pneumonia without the classic symptoms such as high fever or chills. Understanding this allows medical responders to continue evaluating the patient for other symptoms and signs of pneumonia, focusing on changes in respiratory status, mental status, and overall clinical presentation instead of relying solely on temperature readings.

Other options may suggest notions about the nature of the infection or typical disease presentations, but they do not reflect the unique responses that elderly patients may exhibit. This response emphasizes the need for a careful and comprehensive assessment of the individual, recognizing that typical signs and symptoms may be absent.