While waiting for the physician to respond regarding a client’s elevat

While waiting for the physician to respond regarding a client’s elevated temperature, what can the nurse do to assist the client?

1. Bathe the client with ice water.
2. Give the client an antipyretic.
3. Increase fluid intake.
4. Lower the room temperature.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Bathing the client in ice water would lower the client’s temperature too fast, possibly causing hypothermia.
Rationale 2: Giving a client an antipyretic requires a doctor’s order.
Rationale 3: Elevated body temperature contributes to dehydration, which leads to body tissues drying out and malfunctioning. Rehydrating the client’s tissues will allow the temperature to return to normal.
Rationale 4: Dropping the temperature of the room would lower the client’s temperature too fast, possibly causing hypothermia.