Question

Studies have shown that the use of antipyretics may prolong illness, but they do have benefits to the child with fever. Which of the following statements best explains the benefit of antipyretics?

A) They slow the growth of bacteria.
B) They increase neutrophil production.
C) They encourage T-cell proliferation.
D) They help decrease fluid requirements.

Answer 1

Antipyretics benefit a child with fever by decreasing discomfort and pain, but they don't slow bacteria growth, increase neutrophil production, or stimulate T-cell proliferation. They should be used cautiously to not interrupt the body's natural defense mechanisms against infection.

Step-by-step explanation:

The benefit of antipyretics in a child with fever is that they help decrease discomfort from fever and inflammation. While antipyretics may slow down the body's immune response and prolong illness, they do not actively slow the growth of bacteria, increase neutrophil production, or encourage T-cell proliferation. Instead, by reducing fever, antipyretics can alleviate pain and make a child more comfortable.

It's important to note that fever plays a role in fighting infection. The elevated temperatures caused by a fever can inhibit the growth of pathogens and speed up cellular repair processes. For these reasons, suppressing fevers with antipyretics should be limited to those that are dangerously high to avoid interrupting these natural defense mechanisms. The use of antipyretics can be beneficial in preventing dehydration since a high fever can increase fluid requirements due to increased evaporation from the skin and respiration.