Question

A 10-year-old child is brought to the hospital with high fever and chills. The nurse records the vital signs and finds that her temperature is 104° F (40° C), blood pressure is 130/85 mm Hg, and pulse rate is 120/min. The fever remains mostly high but is interspersed with periods of normal body temperature. What measures should the nurse adopt to reduce fever in the patient?

Answer 1

A child with a high fever of 104° F should be managed by administering antipyretics, ensuring hydration, applying cool compresses, and monitoring for signs of improvement or need for further medical intervention.

Step-by-step explanation:

A 10-year-old child has been brought to the hospital with high fever and chills. Upon assessment, the nurse finds that the child's body temperature is 104° F (40° C), blood pressure is 130/85 mm Hg, and pulse rate is 120/min. It is crucial to reduce the fever, as the normal body temperature is significantly lower at approximately 37° C (98.6° F). Measures to reduce fever include:

• Administering antipyretic medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, after consulting with a physician.
• Encouraging the intake of fluids to prevent dehydration and help cool the body internally.
• Applying a cool compress to the forehead and other body parts to aid in reducing body temperature.
• Ensuring proper room ventilation or using a fan to circulate air around the child for comfort and to aid in temperature regulation.
• Removing excess clothing or blankets to allow heat to escape from the body.
• Considering a tepid sponge bath to help lower the temperature; however, care should be taken to avoid shivering that may actually raise body temperature.

The nurse should continue to monitor vital signs to ensure that the measures taken are effective and to assess the need for additional interventions or potential hospitalization, depending on the persistence and cause of the fever.

Answer 2

To reduce fever in the 10-year-old patient, the nurse should administer an appropriate antipyretic medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, based on the child's weight and age. Additionally, encouraging the child to stay hydrated and maintaining a comfortable room temperature can aid in fever reduction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The high fever and chills in the 10-year-old child suggest a systemic response to an infection. Antipyretic medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are commonly used to lower fever by acting on the hypothalamus, which regulates body temperature. The nurse should calculate the appropriate dosage based on the child's weight and age, following established guidelines to ensure safety and efficacy.

Acetaminophen is often recommended for fever reduction and is generally well-tolerated. Ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is another option with anti-fever properties. Both medications work by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which play a role in fever and inflammation. However, the choice between acetaminophen and ibuprofen may depend on factors such as the child's medical history, allergies, or specific preferences.

Hydration is crucial during fever, as increased body temperature and sweating can lead to fluid loss. Encouraging the child to drink water or other fluids helps prevent dehydration. Maintaining a comfortable room temperature, with appropriate clothing and bedding, can also contribute to the child's comfort.

These measures, combined with antipyretic medication, aim to alleviate symptoms and support the body's natural response to infection. The nurse should closely monitor the child's response to treatment and seek medical attention if there are any concerning changes or complications.