11.9 : 退烧方法

Selecting an appropriate treatment for reducing fever relies on first determining the cause.

Medications such as antipyretics induce heat loss, while corticosteroids interfere with the hypothalamic response and reset the raised set-point.

If fever is due to a bacterial infection, antibiotics are prescribed to help fight against fever-causing pyrogens.

Conversely, if fever is due to viral infection, it can be managed non-pharmacologically since viruses have a short life span.

If a person experiences a drug allergy or hypersensitivity reaction, they may experience fever and a rash or pruritus. Interventions include discontinuing medication, treating impaired skin integrity, and allergen education.

Heatstroke requires emergency treatments such as administering intravenous fluids and irrigating the stomach and lower bowel with cold solutions as prescribed.

Non-pharmacological methods of fever reduction include tepid sponging, applying ice packs to axillae and groin areas, oscillating fans, and hypothermia blankets.

Though these techniques encourage further heat loss, nurses must ensure they do not cause shivering.