CC Concepts: Hyperthermia and Fever

Question 1

True or False: A fever will increase water and metabolic requirements, and this must be considered when treating a febrile patient.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

Where is the thermoregulatory control center for the body?

Answer 2

The preoptic area of the anterior hypothalamus

Question 3

What are the four classifications of hyperthermia? Provide examples of each.

Answer 3

True Fever = production of exogenous pyrogens (infectious agents)

Inadequate heat dissipation = heat stroke

Exercise-induced hyperthermia = exercise, hypocalcemic tetany, seizures

Pathologic or Pharmacologic origin = lesions in the anterior hypothalamus, hypermetaboliv disorders, malignant hyperthermia, MOA metabolism disturbances

Question 4

What are benefits of a fever?

Answer 4

Reduces the duration of morbidity, decreases mortality, decreases the ability of bacteria to utilize iron, and inhibits replication of heat sensitive viruses

Question 5

What are the detriments associated with a fever?

Answer 5

Increased tissue and cellular metabolism and oxygen consumption, appetite suppression, and electrolyte imbalances

Question 6

Treatment options for febrile patients include -?

Answer 6

Therapies include NSAIDs, body cooling, glucocorticoids, and phenothiazines

Question 7

True or False: Antimicrobial therapy is indicated in the case of febrile patients.

Answer 7

False, only if a specific pathogen is known or strongly suspected