Fever- Peds Flashcards
Clinical fever
o100.4F or higher; typically treatment is not required until it reaches 102F, other than for additional pain relief.
o Rectal temps most accurate; oral is second most accurate; oral not accurate if they have had anything hot/cold within the past 30 minutes.
o Anything over 102, there is typically a bacterial component involved (although Influenza and other viral illnesses CAN cause higher temps)
o Low grade fever can be associated with seasonal allergies, allergic rhinitis or teething
tx for fever
o Tylenol: able to use at any age
o Ibuprofen: not able to be given under 6 months of age d/t decreased kidney function
o Can rotate between antipyretics every 4 hours; make sure you use Ibuprofen with food, not an empty stomach (can cause ulcers/gastritis).
o Rectal suppositories of Tylenol are available
o Tepid bath
o Fluids (keep them cool)
o Popsicles
o Ensure that you take the child out of their clothes; avoid bundling during episodes of fever
When Further Evaluation is Needed
o 3 months or less with rectal temp of 100.4, even if they appear well; do not give antipyretics until they are seen by their Pediatrician
o Ages 3 months- 3 years who have been febrile for 3 days and appear ill
o Ages 3 months- 3 years who have a rectal temp of 102<
o Any age if temp greater than 104; brain injuries possible if reach 105
o Any age who have a febrile seizure
o Any age who have recurrent fevers for more than seven days, even if the fevers last only a few hours.
o Any age with fever with associated chronic medical problems such as heart disease, cancer, lupus or sickle cell anemia.
o Any age with fever with associated rash
Infant/Pediatric Tylenol
160mg/5mL
Infant/Pediatric Tylenol: dosage
- Dosage should be 10-15mg/kg
- Infant/Pediatric Tylenol: instructions
- Dose every 4-6 hours with/without food
Pediatric Ibuprofen
100mg/5mL
Pediatric Ibuprofen: dosage
- Dosage should be 10-15mg/kg
Pediatric Ibuprofen: instructions
- Dose every 8 hours with food (avoid gastritis/gastric ulcers)
