Which of the following temperature readings would be considered a severe fever?
An adult probably has a fever when the temperature is above 99°F to 99.5°F (37.2°C to 37.5°C), depending on the time of day. Show
ConsiderationsNormal body temperature may change during any given day. It is usually highest in the evening. Other factors that may affect body temperature are:
Fever is an important part of the body's defense against infection. Most bacteria and viruses that cause infections in people thrive best at 98.6°F (37°C). Many infants and children develop high fevers with mild viral illnesses. Although a fever signals that a battle might be going on in the body, the fever is fighting for, not against the person. Brain damage from a fever generally will not occur unless the fever is over 107.6°F (42°C). Untreated fevers caused by infection will seldom go over 105°F (40.6°C) unless the child is overdressed or in a hot place. Febrile seizures do occur in some children. Most febrile seizures are over quickly and do not mean your child has epilepsy. These seizures also do not cause any permanent harm. Unexplained fevers that continue for days or weeks are called fevers of undetermined origin (FUO). CausesAlmost any infection can cause a fever, including:
Children may have a low-grade fever for 1 or 2 days after some immunizations. Teething may cause a slight increase in a child's temperature, but not higher than 100°F (37.8°C). Autoimmune or inflammatory disorders may also cause fevers. Some examples are:
The first symptom of a cancer may be a fever. This is particularly true of Hodgkin disease, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and leukemia. Other possible causes of fever include:
Home CareA simple cold or other viral infection can sometimes cause a high fever (102°F to 104°F or 38.9°C to 40°C). This does not mean you or your child has a serious problem. Some serious infections don't cause a fever or can cause a very low body temperature, most often in infants. If the fever is mild and you have no other problems, you do not need treatment. Drink fluids and rest. The illness is probably not serious if your child:
Take steps to lower a fever if you or your child is uncomfortable, vomiting, dried out (dehydrated), or not sleeping well. Remember, the goal is to lower, not eliminate, the fever. When trying to lower a fever:
Here are some guidelines for taking medicine to lower a fever:
Eating and drinking:
When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalCall a provider right away if your child:
Call your provider right away if you are an adult and you:
Call 911 or the local emergency number if you or your child has a fever and:
What to Expect at Your Office VisitYour provider will perform a physical exam. This may include a detailed examination of the skin, eyes, ears, nose, throat, neck, chest, and abdomen to look for the cause of the fever. Treatment depends on the duration and cause of the fever, as well as other symptoms. The following tests may be performed:
Alternative NamesElevated temperature; Hyperthermia; Pyrexia; Febrile Patient Instructions
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ReferencesLeggett JE. Approach to fever or suspected infection in the normal host. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 264. Nield LS, Kamat D. Fever. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 201. Review Date 8/29/2020Updated by: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Which of the following is true statement about blood pressure?Answer and Explanation: The statement (c) Artery walls help to maintain pressure, even between heartbeats is TRUE about blood pressure.
Which demonstrates the correct method of recording blood pressure?We record this with the systolic pressure first (on the top) and the diastolic pressure second (below). For example, if the systolic pressure is 120 mmHg (millimetres of mercury) and the diastolic pressure is 80 mmHg, we would describe the blood pressure as '120 over 80', written 120/80.
What is the definition of blood pressure quizlet?Blood Pressure (BP) a measure of the pressure exerted by the blood as it flows through the arteries, indicates cardiac output, measures: systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, and pulse pressure,, measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and recorded as a fraction, average 120/80. Arterial Blood Pressure.
What is blood pressure and how is it measured quizlet?Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). A blood pressure cuff is inflated to temporarily halt the flow of blood through an artery. The air is then slowly let out of the cuff to allow blood flow to resume, which allows the pressure exerted by the flow to be measured through the pressure gauge.
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