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Questions and Answers
What is the normal body temperature range for children?
What is the normal body temperature range for children?
What is the most common cause of fever in children?
What is the most common cause of fever in children?
What is the recommended method for taking the temperature of an infant?
What is the recommended method for taking the temperature of an infant?
What is the primary goal of fever management in children?
What is the primary goal of fever management in children?
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When should a child with fever be given acetaminophen or ibuprofen?
When should a child with fever be given acetaminophen or ibuprofen?
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What is a sign of dehydration in a child with fever?
What is a sign of dehydration in a child with fever?
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When should a child with fever be taken to the hospital?
When should a child with fever be taken to the hospital?
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What is a contraindication for using acetaminophen or ibuprofen in children?
What is a contraindication for using acetaminophen or ibuprofen in children?
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Study Notes
Definition and Causes
- Fever is a normal response to an infection, where the body's temperature rises to fight off the infection.
- Normal body temperature: 36.5°C (97.7°F) to 37.5°C (99.5°F)
- Causes of fever in children:
- Infections: viral, bacterial, or fungal
- Immunizations
- Teething
- Overdressing or overheating
- Medications
Signs and Symptoms
- Elevated body temperature (usually above 38°C or 100.4°F)
- May have accompanying symptoms:
- Sweating
- Chills
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Irritability
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Assessment and Diagnosis
- Take the child's temperature with a thermometer:
- Oral or digital thermometer for children above 4-5 years
- Rectal thermometer for infants and younger children
- Look for signs of infection:
- Ear infection
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Perform a physical examination to identify any underlying conditions
Management and Treatment
- Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin) to reduce fever:
- Follow the recommended dosage and consult with a doctor before administering
- Not recommended for children under 3 months
- Encourage fluid intake:
- Breast milk or formula for infants
- Electrolyte-rich beverages (such as Pedialyte) for children over 1 year
- Dress the child in light, comfortable clothing
- Use a cool compress or sponge bath to reduce fever (but not too cold)
When to Seek Medical Attention
- Fever in infants under 3 months
- Fever above 40°C (104°F) in children of any age
- Fever accompanied by:
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Difficulty breathing
- Refusal to drink fluids
- Signs of dehydration
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Ear pain or difficulty hearing
- Severe irritability or lethargy
- If the child has a weakened immune system or underlying medical condition
Fever in Children
- Normal body temperature: 36.5°C (97.7°F) to 37.5°C (99.5°F)
Causes of Fever
- Infections: viral, bacterial, or fungal
- Immunizations
- Teething
- Overdressing or overheating
- Medications
Signs and Symptoms of Fever
- Elevated body temperature (usually above 38°C or 100.4°F)
- Accompanying symptoms:
- Sweating
- Chills
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Irritability
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Assessing and Diagnosing Fever
- Take the child's temperature with a thermometer:
- Oral or digital thermometer for children above 4-5 years
- Rectal thermometer for infants and younger children
- Look for signs of infection:
- Ear infection
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Perform a physical examination to identify underlying conditions
Managing and Treating Fever
- Medications:
- Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol)
- Ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin)
- Follow recommended dosage and consult a doctor before administering
- Encourage fluid intake:
- Breast milk or formula for infants
- Electrolyte-rich beverages (such as Pedialyte) for children over 1 year
- Dress the child in light, comfortable clothing
- Use a cool compress or sponge bath to reduce fever
When to Seek Medical Attention
- Fever in infants under 3 months
- Fever above 40°C (104°F) in children of any age
- Fever accompanied by:
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Difficulty breathing
- Refusal to drink fluids
- Signs of dehydration
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Ear pain or difficulty hearing
- Severe irritability or lethargy
- If the child has a weakened immune system or underlying medical condition
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Description
Learn about the normal body temperature, causes of fever in children, and signs and symptoms of fever. Identify the reasons behind fever and how to recognize it.
