Help with hyperthermia
Hyperthermia is an increase in a person's body temperature above 37.5ºC as a result of illness or overheating. Such a pathological condition occurs when the thermal balance is disturbed, when heat production prevails over heat transfer.
Emergency care for hyperthermia is necessary to avoid the occurrence of irreversible processes. When body temperature rises above 41ºC, heat stroke can develop.
Nursing care for hyperthermia (fever)
- We provide the patient with bed rest.
- We carry out frequent ventilation in the ward, providing an influx of fresh air.
- We measure the patient's body temperature every 2-3 hours.
- Warm clothes are removed from the patient, blankets are removed. The patient is covered only with a thin sheet.
- We provide the patient with a warm drink - juices, weak tea with lemon, rosehip broth).
- The patient's skin is abundantly moistened with an easily evaporating liquid - 40% ethyl alcohol, 6-9% vinegar.
- We irrigate the mucous membrane of the mouth and lips of the patient with water, lubricate with vaseline oil, a 20% solution of borax in glycerin. Cracks on the lips are treated with a 1% solution of brilliant green.
- To prevent the patient from getting injuries, we observe him in the presence of delusions and hallucinations.
- We monitor heart rate and blood pressure.
- We register all data in the temperature sheet and the observation sheet.
- With hyperthermia, we apply cold (ice pack) to the head, neck, inguinal and axillary areas.
- We provide timely change of bed and underwear, as well as the necessary skin toilet.
- We carry out the introduction of drugs only as prescribed by the doctor - a lytic mixture intramuscularly, aspirin, analgin, paracetamol inside, rectally suppositories with NSAIDs.
- With a critical drop in temperature, we call a doctor, raise the foot end of the bed, remove the pillow, cover and cover the patient with heating pads, give warm tea, and follow the doctor's orders.
Hyperthermia is the most dangerous condition for children, so vigilant monitoring of febrile children is important.
