What type of pulse would you expect in a patient with a high fever of 104 degrees Fahrenheit?

In a patient with a high fever of 104 degrees Fahrenheit, a large amplitude and forceful pulse is expected due to several physiological responses to fever. When the body temperature rises significantly, the heart rate increases as part of the body's mechanism to manage and dissipate heat. This heightened heart rate often results in a more forceful pulse as the heart pumps more vigorously to enhance circulation, delivering immune cells and inflammatory mediators to fight off any underlying infection.

Additionally, the body's increased metabolic demand during fever leads to heightened cardiac output, which contributes to a pulse that is not only rapid but also stronger in amplitude. This response is commonly referred to as a "bounding pulse," which contrasts with the smaller, weaker pulses that may occur in states of volume depletion or shock.

In summary, the combination of increased heart rate and enhanced stroke volume in response to high fever results in a pulse that is large in amplitude and forceful, effectively reflecting the body's efforts to cope with elevated body temperature and underlying pathophysiological processes.