Asked by Esther Dankha on Jun 05, 2024
Verified
A 5-year-old child was admitted for a diagnosis of meningitis with a fever of 104.5° F and nuchal rigidity.She responded to antipyretics that were ordered.In addition,the patient's mother was asked to help reduce the fever by limiting the number of blankets covering the patient.After interventions,the child's temperature is 100.5° F.The nurse recognized that the mother has an understanding of the patient's condition when she states which of the following?
A) "The high temperature is useful in fighting bacteria and viruses as long as it's not too high."
B) "You need to get her temperature down quickly. She's so uncomfortable."
C) "Her fever is dropping because she is shivering. She must be cold."
D) "She probably picked up a bacteria. That's what kids do. That's why they get infected."
Nuchal Rigidity
Stiffness in the neck that resists bending, often a sign of inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
Antipyretics
Medications or substances that reduce fever by lowering the body temperature from a raised state.
Bacteria
Microscopic, single-celled organisms found almost everywhere, which can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful to humans and other organisms.
- Guide patients and their relatives on strategies for fever control and the essential value of temperature monitoring.
- Familiarize yourself with the body's method of temperature regulation and how it responds when faced with an infection.
Verified Answer
ZK
Zybrea KnightJun 05, 2024
Final Answer :
A
Explanation :
A fever is usually not harmful if it stays below 39° C (102.2° F)in adults or 40° C (104° F)in children.Increased temperature reduces the concentration of iron in the blood plasma,causing bacterial growth to slow.Fever also fights viral infections by stimulating interferon,the body's natural virus-fighting substance.The goal is a "safe" rather than a "low" temperature.A true fever results from an alteration in the hypothalamic set point.To reach the new set point,the body produces and conserves heat.The patient experiences chills,shivers,and feels cold,even though the body temperature is rising.Most fevers in children are of viral origin,lasting only briefly,and have limited effects
Learning Objectives
- Guide patients and their relatives on strategies for fever control and the essential value of temperature monitoring.
- Familiarize yourself with the body's method of temperature regulation and how it responds when faced with an infection.