Regulation of Body Temperature
Not yet clinically reviewed
This protocol was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia and Ward Guide apps for educational use. Follow your hospital's own policies and consult seniors when in doubt.
- Keeping the patient in a well-ventilated room.
- Remove the excess clothing.
- Expose the patient to cool air by an electric fan.
- Simple sponging of the body with lukewarm water.
- Administration of adequate fluids.
- Tepid sponging: When temperature is 39-40° C, body is sponged with lukewarm water using long strokes towards the extremities. Water is allowed to remain on the skin where it evaporates, thus cooling the body. Bath sponges or disposable flannels are placed in the axilla, groin, ankle, forehead and neck where the veins are superficial.
- When the temperature is between 40.5-42° C, undress the patient; keep in a well-protected mattress. The patient lies between two sheets dipped in lukewarm water. The sheets are kept moist with water spray and changed as necessary.
- Surface cooling should be done gradually; sudden cooling may lead to cardiac arrhythmias.
- When surface cooling is used, shivering must be prevented, as it requires more time to reduce the body temperature in a shivering patient.
Nutrition
High calorie, easily digestible and palatable food, preferably vegetarian.
- Fluid intake about 3000 ml/day, unless contraindicated, to prevent dehydration.
- Soft diet with plenty of fluids, vegetables and fruits, to prevent constipation associated with fever.
Personal Hygiene
Care of the mouth to prevent parotitis, oral sepsis, herpes, etc.
- Apply emollients to prevent drying and cracking of lips.
- Daily sponge bath to keep the patient clean.
- Attention to the pressure points.
- Cotton garments are helpful and clothing should be light and loose, smooth and non-irritating.
- Rest and sleep.
Care in Rigor
Rigor has three stages as follows.
Cold Stage
Shivering, skin is cold, face pale, pulse feeble and rapid; core temperature 103° F or above.
- Cover the patient with blankets, apply hot water bags, give warm drinks.
Hot Stage
Skin hot and dry. Feels thirsty, no shivering, restless. Temperature up to 104° F
- Remove all the blankets and hot appliances, cover with thin blanket, give cold drinks, cold compress to the head, give tepid sponging with lukewarm water.
Sweating Stage
weats profusely, temperature falls, pulse return to normal, discomfort reduced. The patient may go into shock if not cared for:
- Watch vital signs, ensure adequate fluid intake.