A patient was admitted to the hospital with an ischemic stroke and failed their initial swallow screen. The nurse forgot to notify the physician and the patient remained on a regular diet. A few days later, the patient developed high fevers. What is the MOST LIKELY cause of the patient’s fever?
A
Urinary tract infection
2%
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Incorrect, although it is possible for stroke patients to develop a UTI, the MOST likely cause for fever here is aspiration pneumonia. Since the patient failed their swallowing screen, they are considered a high risk for dysphagia. Undiagnosed dysphagia can lead to aspiration pneumonia.