Fever Flashcards

1
Q

Fever

A

Term used to describe an increase in body temp above the normal (37C).
Monitoring of body temp is commonly used to determine the presence of infection.

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2
Q

Fever of known origin

A

Described as a body temp above 38.3 on several occasions for over three weeks without an apparent cause despite extensive investigation in pts without neutropenia or immunosuppression.

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3
Q

Post operative fever

A

Most often noninfectious

Non infectious causes:
* Atelectasis
* Increased basal metabolic rate (d/t stress on the body)
* Dehydration
* Drug reactions

Increasing lung inflation by turning, coughing, deep breathing and IS use helps to increase lung expansion–decreased lung expansion is a major cause of postop fever (atelectasis)

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4
Q

Infectious causes of post op fever

A
  • Usually accompanied by subjective complaints and a WBC elevation with left shift (bandemia– increase immature WBC)
  • A WBC elevation over 30,000 is NOT usually due to infection rather heme or onc related like leukemia.
  • Surgical incisions
  • IV sites
  • Point of entry for any catheter
  • Urinary tract
  • Lungs
  • Sinusitis (NG tubes)
  • Abscess
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5
Q

Initial treatment of post op fever

A

In the absence of any indication of an infection, the first response should include hydration and measures to expand lung inflation.

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6
Q

Treatment of infectious post op fever

A
  • Supportive fluid therapy and tylenol
  • Treat the apparent underlying source
  • Gram stain and culture and sensitivity all invasive lines or catheters as indicated.
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7
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9
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