Clinical Diagnosis · Multiple Systems · Easy

Rigors

Meaning: Episodes of intense shivering with a rapid rise in body temperature, often signalling serious infection.

In practice: Rigors in the patient with a urinary catheter raised suspicion of urosepsis.

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Two questions on related clinical diagnosis words.

Which word means: A bacterial infection producing a grey membrane over the throat, which can block the airway and release a heart-damaging toxin.

Which word means: Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in body tissues.

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