A nurse is caring for a 2-year-old child who has pneumonia and a temperature of 39.4° C (103° F). Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A rationaleLowering room temperature helps reduce fever-related discomfort without overly stressing thermoregulation mechanisms in children. A moderate environmental change can stabilize sweating and vasodilation to maintain core temperature balance, particularly in cases of infection-induced fever like pneumonia.Choice B rationalePlacing the child in an ice bath may induce cold stress, leading to shivering and paradoxical temperature elevation as the body counteracts drastic environmental cooling. This approach is unsafe and not recommended for managing fever in pediatric care.Choice C rationaleAdministering acetaminophen PO every 2 hours surpasses safe dosing recommendations, risking hepatotoxicity. Acetaminophen acts on the hypothalamus to regulate body temperature, but proper dosing every 4–6 hours is essential for safe fever control.Choice D rationaleAspirin is contraindicated in children due to its association with Reye's syndrome, a severe condition causing liver dysfunction and encephalopathy. Pediatric fever should be managed with safer alternatives like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.