FEVER
Fever, or elevated body temperature at 100 degrees E or above, can frequently be determined by touch of the skin. Place the back of one hand against your own forehead, and the back of your other hand against the sick person's forehead. If fever is present, you should feel a noticeable difference in skin temperature. The person with a fever has very warm or hot feeling skin. Chilling and shivering is often the sign of rapidly increasing body temperature.
Fever is usually associated with dehydration, fast breathing, and rapid heart beat. Fever uses up calories that are needed for energy. Fever is an uncomfortable state and comfort measures should be initiated as soon as fever is detected. Your Nurse will suggest an appropriate fever reducing medication if indicated.
GUIDELINES FOR REDUCING FEVER
 | Reduce bed covers to a thin layer, if hot |
| Promote air circulation in room. |
| Sponge body parts with a cool cloth and allow to air dry. |
| Place cool cloths on forehead, neck, underarms. |
| Cover with blankets as needed for chilling. |
| Offer sips of water or rehydration drinks OFTEN. |
| Allow fever to reduce gradually. |
| Administer medication as prescribed. |
Often the cause of fever is unknown or irreversible. Determine if the person with a fever has any of the following associated symptoms and notify your Nurse or Physician:
| Cold or flu symptoms: body aches, runny nose, dry cough, stomach upset, headache, sore throat |
| Congested or productive cough with discolored phlegm |
| Concentrated, malodorous urine; complaints of painful urination or frequent urination |
| New onset or new location of pain |
| Dehydration |
| Constipation or diarrhea |
| Infected wounds, skin rashes |