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Administering A Tepid Sponge Bath For Temperature Reduction
Administering A Tepid Sponge Bath For Temperature Reduction
a. General.
A patient whose temperature reaches 38 °C will usually develop flush
color, very warm and moist skin, and an accompanying headache. A
tepid sponge bath may be recommended to reduce body temperature.
Desired temperature reached is 99.6ºF.
b. Important Points.
(1) Remind the patient to call for assistance when getting up. The
combination of the elevated temperatures and sponge bath could
weaken the patient.
(2) Check the patient’s temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate
every 15 minutes.
c. Procedure.
(1) Observe patient for elevated temperature. Review physician’s
orders.
(e) thermometer.
(5) Cover patient with blanket, remove gown, and close windows and
doors.
(6) Test the water temperature. Place washcloths in water and then
apply wet cloths to each axilla and groin.
(8) Continue sponge bath to other extremities, back, and buttocks for
3 to 5 minutes each. Determine temperature every 15 minutes.
(10) Continue with sponge bath until body temperature falls slightly
above normal. Discontinue procedure according to SOP.
(11) Dry patient thoroughly, and cover with light blanket or sheet.
(12) Return equipment to storage, clean area, and change bed linens
as necessary. Wash hands.
(13) Record time procedure was started, when ended, vital signs, and
patient’s response.