A child, age 7 years, has a fever associated with a viral illness. She is being cared for at home. What is the principal reason for treating fever in this child?
a. Relief of discomfort
b. Reassurance that illness is temporary
c. Prevention of secondary bacterial infection
d. Avoidance of life-threatening complications
ANS: A
The principal reason for treating fever is the relief of discomfort. Relief measures include pharmacologic and environmental intervention. The most effective is the use of pharmacologic agents to lower the set point. Although the nurse can reassure the child that the illness is temporary, the child is often uncomfortable and irritable. Intervention helps the child and family minimize the discomfort. Most fevers result from viral, not bacterial, infections. Few life-threatening events are associated with fever. The use of antipyretics does not seem to reduce the incidence of febrile seizures.
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