Fever in Children and Adults

A pyrogen is a substance that suppresses fever.

Normal body temperature for a human is universally agreed to be exactly 37°C.

Fever is defined as a rise in body temperature above 38 degrees Celsius in children.

Hyperthermia involves a change in the hypothalamic set point.

Mild fever for adults is classified as a body temperature between 37 to 38.9 degrees Celsius.

The hypothalamus acts as a thermostat regulating blood temperature.

A normal temperature, according to HSE, falls between 36 and 36.8 degrees Celsius.

In treating fever, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological options are considered.

The NICE guideline involves assessing fever in children aged 5 and over.

Fever is considered an illness rather than a physiological mechanism.

Fever in Children

Fever is a natural response to infection
Considered “normal” response to infection
Fever is not an illness itself
Fever allows the body to fight infection
The hypothalamus regulates body temperature
Normal body temperature is 37°C and can vary by 1°C
Oral temperature is 37°C ± 1°C
Rectal temperature is 0.5°C higher than oral
Armpit temperature is 0.5°C lower than oral
In children, any temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above is considered high
In adults, a mild fever is 38 - 38.9 degrees Celsius
In adults, a high fever is 39 - 39.9 degrees Celsius
In adults, a very high fever is 40 degrees Celsius or higher
Fever is a common and normal physiological response
Hyperthermia is a rare and pathophysiological response
Hyperthermia is a failure of normal homeostasis
Fever is a result of the hypothalamic set point changing
Fever occurs in response to endogenous and exogenous pyrogens
Hyperthermia results in heat production that exceeds the body's ability to dissipate heat

NICE Guidelines

Guidelines are for fever without a known cause in children under 5
Guidelines cover the assessment and early management of fever
Guidelines aim to improve clinical assessments
Guidelines help healthcare professionals diagnose serious illnesses in young children

Thermoregulation

The hypothalamus acts as a “thermostat”
A pyrogen is a substance that provokes fever
Fever is a physiological response
Hyperthermia is a pathophysiological response

This quiz covers the physiological aspects of fever in children and adults, highlighting its role as a natural response to infection. It explains how fever is regulated by the hypothalamus, normal temperature ranges, and differentiates between fever and hyperthermia. Test your knowledge on this essential topic in health care.