fever treatment 1

fever treatment¹,

the care and management of a person who has an elevated temperature.

method The patient is observed for symptoms of fever, such as tachycardia; a full, bounding pulse or a weak, thready pulse; rapid breathing; hot, dry, hyperemic skin; chills; headache; diaphoresis; restlessness; delirium; dehydration; tremors; convulsions; and coma. Diagnostic studies such as blood, urine, and sputum cultures and visualization procedures may be ordered to determine fever causation. Treatment may include the administration of antibiotic, antipyretic, and sedative drugs. If the temperature is extremely high, a cooling tub bath, cold wet sheet, ice packs, or hypothermia blanket may be ordered. The patient's temperature is checked every 2 to 4 hours or as condition and protocol indicate. Antipyretic and sedative therapy is continued as ordered, and, if necessary, cooling measures are reinstituted; the room temperature is reduced, and air currents are increased by a fan. Increased amounts of fluids are given orally or parenterally, physical activity is reduced, and the skin is exposed to air, with care taken to prevent chilling.

interventions The nurse observes and records the symptoms accompanying fever, administers the ordered medication and cooling measures, reassures the patient, and explains the importance of therapy and adequate fluid intake.

outcome criteria Antipyretic drugs and cooling measures usually reduce the temperature, but the patient may require additional fluids and treatment for the underlying cause of the fever.