Febrile Child

Question 1

History of fever in children?

Answer 1

Fever is probably the commonest reason for a child to be taken to the doctor though Infections remain the leading cause of death in children under the age of 5 years
- Two-thirds of all children visit a physician for fever before they reach the age of 2 years

Question 2

What is a fever?

Answer 2

> 37.5 °C axillary
Normal: 36°C-37.5°C axillary
Hyperpyrexia: >39.5°C

Question 3

Describe body temperature through the day?

Answer 3

Highest point - early evening (5-7pm)
Lowest point – morning (2-6am)
Note: Any abnormal rise in body temperature should be considered a symptom of an underlying condition

Question 4

3 Mechanisms for the pathogenesis of fever?

Answer 4

1. Pyrogens
2. Heat production exceeding loss
3. Defective heat loss

Question 5

What controls the temp. in a body?

Answer 5

Temperature is controlled by the thermoregulatory center, located in the preoptic area of the anterior hypothalamus

Question 6

Name the 2 pyrogens mechanisms?

Answer 6

1. endogenous
2. exogenous

Question 7

Describe the endogenous pyrogens?

Question 8

Describe the exogenous pyrogens?

Question 9

Name causes of heat production exceeding heat loss?

Answer 9

1. Salicylate poisoning
2. malignant hyperthermia

Question 10

Name causes of defective heat loss?

Answer 10

1. Ectodermal dysplasia
2. Victims of severe heat exposure