Which of the following statements is true of a fever?

• A. Fever is a common immune response that helps inhibit the growth of some pathogens.
• B. Fever results from decreased activity of the hypothalamus.
• C. Fever always indicates a bacterial infection and never occurs with viral infections.
• D. Fever is harmful to the body and should always be suppressed immediately.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of fever in the immune response: Fever is a regulated increase in body temperature controlled by the hypothalamus, often triggered by infection.
2. Recall that fever helps inhibit the growth of some pathogens by creating an environment less favorable for their replication.
3. Recognize that fever results from increased activity of the hypothalamus, which raises the body's temperature set point, not decreased activity.
4. Know that fever can occur in response to both bacterial and viral infections, so it is not exclusive to bacterial infections.
5. Understand that while fever can be uncomfortable, it is generally a beneficial immune response and does not always need to be suppressed immediately unless it reaches dangerous levels.