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In lay language, how would you describe a fever?
A fever is when the body's temperature rises above normal, indicating that the body is responding to an infection or illness.
What is the purpose of the NICE Traffic Light system in relation to fever in children?
The NICE Traffic Light system helps healthcare professionals assess and identify the severity of fevers in children to determine appropriate actions.
When should a child with fever be referred to a healthcare professional instead of being treated by a pharmacist?
A child should be referred if they exhibit serious symptoms, such as persistent high fever, dehydration, or a rash.
What are some treatment options for managing fever in children?
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What role does the hypothalamus play in thermoregulation?
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How does a pyrogen induce a fever?
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Differentiate between fever and hyperthermia.
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What temperature range is considered normal for human body temperature?
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What is the temperature threshold for low-grade fever in adults according to HSE guidelines?
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Why is it emphasized that fever is not an illness?
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What physiological role does fever play in combating infections?
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How does the concept of a 'set point' in the hypothalamus relate to fever?
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In what way does the NICE guideline aim to improve the care of children with fever?
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Distinguish between endogenous and exogenous pyrogens.
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Why is fever not classified as an illness?
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What is the temperature cutoff for high fever in adults, according to HSE guidelines?
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What temperature is considered a fever in children, according to HSE?
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Explain the difference between fever and hyperthermia.
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How can the NICE Traffic Light system assist healthcare professionals?
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What factors can cause the normal body temperature to vary?
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Study Notes
Fever in Children
- Fever is a normal body response to infection
- Fever: A rise in body temperature above normal
- Normal temperature: 37°C
- Normal oral temperature: 37±1°C
- Rectal temperature: ~0.5°C higher than oral
- Underarm temperature: ~0.5°C lower than oral
- HSE normal temperature: 36 to 36.8°C
- HSE High temperature in Children: 38°C or above
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HSE High temperature in Adults:
- Mild fever: 38 to 38.9°C
- High fever: 39 to 39.9°C
- Very high fever: 40°C or higher
Thermoregulation
- Hypothalamus: controls blood temperature
- Pyrogen: a substance that provokes fever
- Fever: a normal physiologic response that increases hypothalamic "set point" in response to pyrogens
- Hyperthermia: a rare, pathophysiologic response where regulation fails, leading to heat production exceeding dissipation.
- Fever: not an illness, but a beneficial mechanism for fighting infection
NICE Guidelines Assessment of Fever
- Target audience: Children under 5
- Purpose: enhance clinical assessment and diagnosis of serious illness in children with fever.
- Scope: Covers primary and secondary care settings.
Fever in Children
- Normal human body temperature is considered to be 37°C
- Can vary by up to 1°C
- Fever is a common and normal physiologic response that results in an increase in the hypothalamic “set point” in response to endogenous and exogenous pyrogens.
- Children with fever ≥38°C.
- Adults:
- Mild fever (38 to 38.9 degrees Celsius)
- High fever (39 to 39.9 degrees Celsius)
- Very high fever (40 degrees Celsius or higher)
- Fever is not an illness, but a physiologic mechanism that has beneficial effects in fighting infection.
Thermoregulation
- The hypothalamus regulates blood temperature
- A pyrogen is a substance that provokes fever
- Fever is a byproduct of the host's response to infection.
- Hyperthermia is a rare pathophysiologic response with failure of normal homeostasis (no change in hypothalamic set point)
- Hyperthermia results in heat production that exceeds the ability to dissipate heat.
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Description
This quiz covers the basics of fever in children, including definitions and normal temperature ranges. It also explains the role of the hypothalamus in thermoregulation and the physiological responses to pyrogens. Test your knowledge on how fever functions as a beneficial mechanism against infections.
