Question

As a nurse in a critical care unit, your newest admission is a 24-year-old victim of a motor vehicle accident (MVA). Report from the OR nurse indicates that the patient has several surgically repaired fractures, a closed head injury, and elevated temperature. Additionally, he has IV fluid running postoperatively and dressing changes scheduled every shift. The patient is intermittently alert and disoriented, with his pain adequately controlled by IV analgesics. (Learning Objectives 2 and 5)
Outline the pertinent information within this case study.
What factors could be causing the patient’s elevated body temperature?
Why is determining the fever’s cause important?
Indicate areas that are important to monitor in a patient with elevated body temperature.
Describe cause-specific interventions useful in treating the patient’s elevated body temperature.

Answer 1

What factors could be causing the patient’s elevated body temperature?

Medical conditions other than head injuries can raise the temperature up. Like blood clots, heterotopic bones . Sometimes fever can occur due to head injury since it is a body mechanism which is trying hard to protect body from any external attacks of infection.

Other reasons for higher temperature

1. Painful movements on bed
2. Disoriented condition of patients
3. Frequent interventions by medical professionals
4. Fear of hospitalisation
5. Internal injuries and trauma
6. Infections or inflammations

Why is determining the fever’s cause important?

It is vital since it is highly important to control the hyperthermia in order to the body to respond well to the treatment and help to settle the patient

It helps to diagnose the exact cause of action and proceed with proper treatment

Normal body temperature helps body to bring it's normal defence mechanism to fight against infections

Indicate areas that are important to monitor in a patient with elevated body temperature.

• blood tests are helpful to identify the chances of any infection
• Check the wounds
• Check IV lines
• Dressing changes must be followed by strict aseptic techniques
• Check vital signs often and record them
• Check urine out frequently
• Maintain intake output chart

Describe cause-specific interventions useful in treating the patient’s elevated body temperature.

1. keep the patient hydrated
2. Keep them cool
3. Give cool drinks
4. Take ibuprofen and acetaminophen to reduce fever
5. Apply cold to key areas of body
6. Take bed rest
7. Restrict physical movements
8. Be relaxed
9. Eat healthy
10. Wear breathable clothings.