1Fever definition
CONTROLLED elevation of patient's temperature to one that is higher than normal but still safe. Helps to fight off infection.
2Hyperthermia definition
UNCONTROLLED elevation of the patient's temperature. This can be caused by an outside process or malfunction at the hypothalamic level, for example if the patient is trapped in a hot car or has hyperthyroidism.
3Hyperpyrexia definition
Extremely high body temperature (over 106.7 F) which is most often caused by central nervous system hemorrhage but is possible with infections. Medical emergency.
4Fever temperature for children and adults
100.4 F or greater
5When to refer patient to doctor for too high of a temperature?
100.4 F or greater in infants under 3 months, greater than or equal to 102 in children, 103 in adults, and 100.5 in seniors 65+
6How long can a fever last before patient should see doctor?
72 hours
7Fever temperature for adults 65 and older
100 F or greater, or a 2 degree increase over known baseline
8Type of thermometer to use for senior patients or those who are immunocompromised.
Oral, tympanic, or axillary. SHOULD NOT USE RECTAL due to risk of inefection.
9When to use antipyretics to treat fever?
They should be used to make the patient feel better. Allow them to eat, drink, and function normally. Generally, if the patient is able to function with the fever, it is better not to treat is as it can help the body to fight infection.
10Antimicrobials most likely to cause drug fever
Cephalosporins
Penicillins
Tetracyclines
Trimethroprim-sulfamethoxazole
Vancomycin
11Anticonvulsants most likely to cause drug fever
Phenytoin
12Antineoplastics most likely to cause drug fever
6-mercaptopurine
daunorubicin
vincristine
13Cardiovascular drugs most likely to cause drug fever
Heparin
Quinidine/quinine
14Immunosuppressants most likely to cause drug fever
Sirolimus
15Other drugs likely to cause drug fever
Allopurinol
Cimetidine
Metoclopramide
Levothyroxine
16Jarish-Herxheimer reaction
Caused by sudden breakdown of spirochete organisms which causes endotoxin release. Seen in lyme disease and syphilis.
17Treatment for malignant hyperthermia
stop medication causing malignant hyperthermia, increase oxygenation, and administer dantrolene.
18Ibuprofen dose for 12-17 lbs
2.5 mL
19Ibuprofen dose for 18-23 lbs
4 mL
20Ibuprofen dose for 24-35 lbs
5 mL
21Ibuprofen dose for 36-47 lbs
7.5 mL
22Ibuprofen dose for 48-59 lbs
10 mL
23Ibuprofen dose for 60-71 lbs
12.5 mL
24Ibuprofen dose for 72-95 lbs
15 mL
25Ibuprofen dose for 96+ lbs
20 mL
26Acetaminophen dose (160mg/5mL) for 6-11 lbs
1.25 mL
27Acetaminophen dose (160mg/5mL) for 12-17 lbs
2.5 mL
28Acetaminophen dose (160mg/5mL) for 18-23 lbs
3.75 mL
29Acetaminophen dose (160mg/5mL) for 24-35 lbs
5 mL
30Acetaminophen dose (160mg/5mL) for 36-47 lbs
7.5 mL
31Acetaminophen dose (160mg/5mL) for 48-59 lbs
10 mL
32Acetaminophen dose (160mg/5mL) for 60-71 lbs
12.5 mL
33Acetaminophen dose (160mg/5mL) for 72-95 lbs
15 mL
34Acetaminophen dose (160mg/5mL) for 96+ lbs
20 mL