Master Fever with Picmonic for Nursing RN

With Picmonic, facts become pictures. We've taken what the science shows - image mnemonics work - but we've boosted the effectiveness by building and associating memorable characters, interesting audio stories, and built-in quizzing.

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A fever is when there is an abnormal elevation in the body's temperature. A normal temperature is around 98.6 F and is considered a fever once it reaches 100.4 F. Symptoms that occur with a fever include flushed skin that is warm to touch, chills, sweating, and a change in level of consciouness. It is important to treat a fever by providing adequate fluids, monitoring fluid and electrolyte status and monitoring vital signs because these patient's are at a high risk of dehydration. Keep the patient cool by removing excess clothing and blankets, keeping the room temperature cool and applying a cool compress to the forehead. Give a 20 to 30 minute spongebath with tepid water, making sure to apply water to the back and chest. Recheck the temperature 30 minutes after the bath. If prescribed, administer antipyretics such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

9 KEY FACTS

The patient's skin becomes reddish pink and feels warm or hot when touched.

Chills occur when muscles are rapidly contracting and relaxing. This helps the body produce heat when it is feeling cold.

Sweating is the body's way of cooling itself down and usually occurs when a fever breaks.

Fevers can cause a patient to become restless or lethargic.

Hydration is important to keep the patient from becoming dehydrated, which can worsen symptoms.

Watch for signs of dehydration, especially when excessively sweathing, vomiting or experiencing diarrhea. Monitor lab values too.

A normal temperature is 98.6. 100.4 and above is classified as a fever. Monitor all vital signs to watch for signs of dehydration and other complications.

Keep the patient cool by removing excess clothing and blankets. Keep the room at a cooler temperature and offer a cool compress to put on the forehead.

Using lukewarm water, give a 20 to 30 minute sponge bath and be sure to apply water over the back and chest. Check the temperature again 30 minutes after the spongebath.

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