A Triage Nurse in the ER Begins the Assessment of an Elderly

Multiple Choice

A triage nurse in the ER begins the assessment of an elderly patient complaining of bloody diarrhea and severe stomach cramps. The patient has a fever of 104oF as well, and is showing signs of dehydration. IV fluids are administered while further workup of the patient continues.
-Gram staining reveals the presence of gram-negative bacilli in the patient's stool. The RN understands how this bacterium would cause the patient's spike in temperature. Which of the following is the correct explanation for this patient's fever?

A) Gram-negative bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer which confers their ability to cause fever.
B) Gram-negative bacteria have two periplasmic spaces,which enhance their ability to cause fever.
C) Gram-negative bacteria have porin proteins in their outer membrane,which confer their ability to cause fever.
D) Gram-negative bacteria have lipopolysaccharide in their outer membrane,and the lipid portion confers their ability to cause fever.