Nursing care plan for fever

Fever also referred to as Pyrexia is a condition where a person’s oral (armpit) temperature exceeds 37.5℃(99.5℉) or rectal (ear) temperature exceeds 38℃ (100.4℉). It’s a general sign indicating that our immune system is fighting against viral infections like cold or flu. The most common symptoms are headache, body pain, loss of appetite, shivering, fatigue, weakness, sore throat, runny nose, and sometimes ear pain. 

Fever in adults, under normal circumstances, may not be lethal. However, in children and in the elderly, it may be serious or life-threatening. 

When to call the doctor

You should get immediate medical help If your fever reaches 39.4℃(103.4℉) or it lasts longer than 3 days or if you have a fever with-

• Severe headache

• Frequent vomiting and dehydration

• Shortness of breath

• Severe diarrhea or dysentery

• Excess sweating

• Pain in neck and joints

• Muscle cramps

• Dizziness 

• Stomach pain

These conditions may occur due to-

• Fungal or bacterial infections

• Food poisoning

• Heat exhaustion

• Inflammation due to arthritis

• Tumor and blood clots

Fever in infants and toddlers

If you have a baby of less than 1 year, and if he or she has a body temperature of 38℃(100.4) or above, your child needs medical care. Fever in children is not always harmful. If a child is vaccinated, then he or she tends to get a fever. You need not worry as it is a good symptom showing that the medicine is fighting against some kind of bacteria or virus.

During fever, your kids tend to feel uncomfortable and restless. Allow them to take enough rest. Monitor them frequently and do not leave them isolated. Keep their room at a normal room temperature. Dress them in cotton or any lightweight cloth and a lightweight blanket. Give them paracetamol or Ibuprofen, as per your doctor’s instructions and never give aspirin. Give them a lukewarm or cold water sponge to reduce their body temperature. 

Fever in the elderly

More often, fever in the elderly is a sign of a serious problem as they are more susceptible to infections. As they grow older, their immune system starts to deteriorate. If a senior gets a fever, it may be due to any of the causes  -

• Diabetes

• Dehydration

• Heatstroke

• Constipation or urinary blockage

• High blood pressure

• Chronic disease like Rheumatic Arthritis

• Side effects of a medicine

• Bacterial infection

• Cardiac issues

• Kidney problems

If you have an elderly at home, who suffers from a fever due to any of the above causes, then you need to get them emergency medical care. 

How to give nursing care to your lovable elderly at home during fever?

In this compelling lifestyle and work pressure, your elderly loved one may have to be left alone at home when everyone is out for work. In those circumstances, if they fall sick or get a fever, taking care of them becomes really challenging. Regular monitoring is essential. As it may be a normal one or sometimes be a symptom of some serious ailment. Initially yoiu give them Paracetamol or Ibrufen. As fever and infection cause an enormous loss of fluid, keep them hydrated more frequently. If the fever comes down in one hour, then you can wait and observe.

If their fever prolongs or is above normal, they might need emergency medical care or immediate hospitalization. At times, your lovable seniors might not wish to be treated at the hospital. They do feel uncomfortable or panic with the overwhelming hospital environment, lack of personal care, risk of getting infected. They would feel convenient to be treated at home. They are too tender that they would like utmost care with love and warmth. In such situations, try to get help from reliable external medical care partners. 

We, Antara Senior Care Services, have treated some seniors, whose children stay far away or stay abroad. They may be lonely or would prefer solitude. There is no doubt, trying to take care of your aging parents remotely is difficult and emotionally stressful. We served them with comprehensive medical care and assistance that includes both traditional care of chronically ill patients and early recognition and prevention of diseases. Let us mention some of the nursing care treatments given to the elderly during fever or chronic ailments.

1. Firstly, the patient and their family should be informed of the treatment plan and package clearly.

2. Next, the room where the elderly person stays has to be disinfected or fumigated at regular intervals.

3. Then, it should be equipped with necessary medical devices and accessories.

4. Regular clinical assessment and monitoring of their illness should be done.

5. 12 * 7 or 24* 7 nursing attendance can be given, whenever necessary.

6. Frequent doctor visits should be made. 

7. Therapies like yoga, Ayurveda and Naturopathy can be given to keep them active and stress-free. 

If you have any such loved ones, and if you are concerned about their care and well-being during illness, and if you find it difficult to accompany them always, then Antara Senior Care Services is there to help you and alleviate your anxiety.