Fevers in adults

[muzikluvr83]

At what point do you begin to medicate a fever with Tylenol?

[amoLucia]

Some places require parameters for tylenol admin with temps, however..... I'm miserable with even a 99.8. So I know to wait is pretty much intolerable for many, myself included. So I medicate if there's discomfort and I get the order changed if there's specific parameters. Otherwise, it's up to my prof discretion. A temp is a temp, and it can continue to elevate without intervention.

Besides, it freq makes the pt feel a little bit more comfortable. And that's how I'll chart it, 'for temp/general discomfort'. And I do a post-note.

[Pepper The Cat, BSN, RN]

We usually medicate around 38 C - (approx 100 F) and do blood cultures at 38.5 C (101.3)

[AP0525]

Although they may be uncomfortable, a fever is NOT a bad thing. Most bacteria and viruses that cause infections in people thrive best at 98.6°F. Raising the temperature a few degrees is a good thing. In addition, a fever activates the body's immune system to make more white blood cells, antibodies, and other infection-fighting agents.

Fevers do not necessarily need to be treated.

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

Hardly ever. In my immune suppressed patient population fevers are one of the only ways their body has to fight infection. As AP0525 said, it makes the body a less tolerable place for infectious organisms. We only treat if they're quite high (above 40), having uncontrolled chilling/rigors, or are quite tachycardic (>130).

[Altra, BSN, RN]

When I work in the ICU - 38.5. More flexibility in the ER, but we are unlikely to medicate below 38.

[sapphire18]

101.5F unless otherwise ordered. Also agree with AP- up to a point fevers work for us by inhibiting growth of bacteria.

[studentdrtobe]

Although they may be uncomfortable, a fever is NOT a bad thing. Most bacteria and viruses that cause infections in people thrive best at 98.6°F. Raising the temperature a few degrees is a good thing. In addition, a fever activates the body's immune system to make more white blood cells, antibodies, and other infection-fighting agents.

Fevers do not necessarily need to be treated.

Agreed.

[PediLove2147, BSN, RN]

We usually medicate around 38 C - (approx 100 F) and do blood cultures at 38.5 C (101.3)

Same on our floor.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Does your facility have a specific policy? Or your patient have an order?

[itsnowornever, BSN, RN]

The facilities I've worked in had a policy, cool water and fluids until 100 then meds. At home? I wont take ANY for anything under 102 (I wont even see a doc until 102). For my kids? As long as comfort measures help them feel better, they dont get anything either. Fever helps kill bacteria...I dont want to hinder the body's natural defenses. Additionally, myself and my children constantly run hot (we are talking 99.5 is NORMAL for us) so 100 isn't a big deal.