Tepid water or sponge baths are indicated for hyperthermia in children. The nurse should:
a. Add isopropyl alcohol to the water.
b. Direct a fan on the child in the bath.
c. Stop the bath if the child begins to chill.
d. Continue the bath for 5 minutes.
ANS: C
Environmental measures such as sponge baths can be used to reduce temperature if tolerated by the child and if they do not induce shivering. Shivering is the body's way of maintaining the elevated set point. Compensatory shivering increases metabolic requirements above those already caused by the fever. Ice water and isopropyl alcohol are inappropriate, potentially dangerous solutions. Fans should not be used because of the risk of the child developing vasoconstriction, which defeats the purpose of the cooling measures. Little blood is carried to the skin surface, and the blood remains primarily in the viscera to become heated. The child is placed in a tub of tepid water for 20 to 30 minutes.
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