Nursing Interventions for Fever

Alterations in Body Temperature

• Pyrexia or Hyperpyrexia ("Fever"): A body temperature above normal range. Hyperpyrexia is a very high fever (e.g., 41°C). Fever is often caused by pyrogens like bacteria.

Clinical Signs of Fever

• Increased heart and respiratory rate
• Shivering
• Complaints of feeling cold
• Rise in body temperature
• Warm skin
• Increased thirst
• Drowsiness, weakness, and convulsions
• Loss of appetite
• Sweating
• Possible dehydration

Nursing Interventions for Fever

• Monitor vital signs
• Assess skin color and temperature
• Monitor white blood cell count
• Remove excess blankets when the client is warm, but provide extra warmth if they feel chilled
• Provide adequate food and fluids (e.g., 2500-3000mL per day)
• Measure intake and output
• Reduce physical activity

Additional Interventions for Fever

• Administer antipyretics as ordered
• Provide oral hygiene to keep mucous membranes moist
• Provide a tepid bath
• Provide dry clothing and bed linens

Heat Stroke

• Dangerous heat emergency caused by prolonged sun or high environmental temperatures, which depresses hypothalamic function.

Signs and Symptoms of Heat Stroke

• Confusion, delirium
• Excessive thirst, nausea, muscle cramps
• Visual disturbances
• Hot, dry skin
• Incontinence may occur

First Aid for Heat Stroke

• Move the client to a cooler environment
• Reduce clothing
• Place wet towels (room temperature tap water) over the skin
• Use oscillating fans to increase heat loss

Treating Heat Stroke (additional actions)

• Use a fan to lower temperature
• Apply cold compresses
• Have the victim lie down
• Elevate the feet
• Have the victim drink fluids
• Bring to the nearest health facility for further management

Hypothermia

• Decrease in body temperature below normal range, often developing gradually when exposed to cold.

Types of Hypothermia

• Mild hypothermia: 34-35°C
• Moderate hypothermia: 30-33.8°C
• Severe hypothermia: >30°C

Signs and Symptoms of Hypothermia

• Uncontrolled shivering
• Depression and poor judgment
• Cold, pale skin
• Decreased heart rate and respiration
• Cyanotic skin
• Cardiac dysrhythmia, loss of consciousness, and unresponsive-ness to painful stimuli (if hypothermia progresses)

First Aid for Hypothermia

• If the patient is wet, remove wet clothes and replace with dry ones
• Wrap the client in blankets
• Give hot fluids to drink
• Place the client near a fire or warm room
• Place heating pads next to affected areas of the body

Test your knowledge on nursing interventions for managing fever. This quiz covers clinical signs, interventions, and monitoring strategies to effectively care for patients experiencing pyrexia. Understanding these concepts is crucial for providing quality nursing care.