Which action should the nurse implement to help reduce the fever in a patient with sepsis?

Question

1. A cooling blanket is often considered when the patient's temperature reaches 103°F.
2. Shivering should be avoided because it causes a decreased metabolic rate.
3. Prevent shivering by keeping the patient's hands and feet on the cooling blanket.
4. Sedation should be avoided during the use of the cooling blanket because it masks potential shivering.

Answer 1

1
Rationale 1: Exogenous cooling is recommended when a patient's temperature reaches 103°F.
Rationale 2: Shivering increases rather than decreases the metabolic rate.
Rationale 3: The hands and feet should be kept off the cooling blanket to prevent shivering.
Rationale 4: The use of sedation is preferable because it decreases shivering and helps to decrease the temperature.