Interventions
Dx:
-
Tx:
-Evaporative cooling: cool with
a tepid bath; do not use alcohol
-Eliminate excess clothing and
covers.
-Adjust and monitor
environmental factors like
room temperature and bed
linens as indicated.
-Give antipyretic medications
as prescribed.
EDx:
-Encourage ample fluid intake
by mouth.
-Educate patient and family
members about the signs and
symptoms of hyperthermia and
help in identifying factors
related to occurrence of fever;
discuss importance of
increased fluid intake to avoid
dehydration.
-Discuss the significance of
informing future health care
providers of the malignant
hyperthermia risk; recommend
a medical alert bracelet or
similar identification.
-Educate the patient or
guardian how to fill out a fluid
Rationale
-Alcohol cools the skin too
rapidly, causing shivering.
-Exposing skin to room air
decreases warmth and
increases evaporative cooling.
-Room temperature may be
accustomed to near normal
body temperature and blankets
and linens may be adjusted as
indicated to regulate
temperature of the patient.
-Antipyretic medications lower
body temperature by blocking
the synthesis of prostaglandins
that act in the hypothalamus.
-If the patient is dehydrated or
diaphoretic, fluid loss
contributes to fever.
-Providing health teachings to
the patient and family aids in
coping with disease condition
and could help prevent further
complications of hyperthermia.
-Alternative anesthetic drugs or
methods can be used for these
patients.
-To help the guardian or
patient take the ownership of
balance chart at bedside. the patient’s care, encouraging
them to drink more fluids as
needed, or report any changes
to the nursing team.