Question

A patient with pneumonia has a fever of over 103o F. What should the nurse do to manage the patient's fever?

1. Administer aspirin on a scheduled basis around the clock.
2. Provide acetaminophen every 4 hours to maintain consistent blood levels.
3. Administer acetaminophen when the patient's oral temperature exceeds 103.5° F.
4. Provide drug interventions if complementary and alternative therapies have failed.

Answer 1

To manage a patient's high fever due to pneumonia, a nurse should provide acetaminophen every 4 hours, being cautious not to exceed recommended dosages to avoid liver damage. The correct answer is option 2.

Step-by-step explanation:

Managing a fever in a patient with pneumonia involves careful consideration of the patient's symptoms and the potential risks and benefits of different fever-reducing medications. Acetaminophen is a reasonable substitute for aspirin for its analgesic or antipyretic effectiveness, especially in patients who cannot tolerate aspirin.

Such as those with peptic ulcer disease or where the anticoagulant action of aspirin might be undesirable. A recommended approach would be to provide acetaminophen every 4 hours to maintain consistent blood levels and manage the fever effectively. It is essential to not exceed the recommended dosage, as too much acetaminophen can lead to liver damage.

In addition, if complementary and alternative therapies have failed, drug interventions should be considered. However, regular monitoring and adherence to the prescribed dosage is crucial for safety and efficacy. It is also important for the patient to stay home and rest, see a doctor if the fever lasts longer than 48 hours.