 Fever is also known as pyrexia and is a

common medical sign characterized by

an elevation of body temperature
above the normal range (98.6*F)
 Fever is mainly caused by any immune response to
pyrogens like virus, bacteria, fungi etc.
 Certain drugs and poisons causes fever.
 Prolonged exposure to heat.
 Cancer due to increase metabolic process in the
body.
 Abnormalities in the brain especially hypothalamus
which is the heat regulating centre
 Disease of the endocrine as they increase the basal
metabolic rate of the body which results in increased
temperature.
Due to immunological response triggered by
pyrogens

Stimulate the production of pyrogens inside

the body

These pyrogens tell the hypothalamus to

increase the temperature set point

Hyperthermia
 Increase body temperature
 Tachycardia
 Perspiration
 Chills and rigor.
 Continuous fever: Temperature remains above
normal throughout the day and does not
fluctuate more than 1*F over 24 hrs.(e.g.
Pneumonia)
 Neutropenic fever: It is a fever in the absence
of normal immune system function.
 Intermittent fever: Elevated temp is present
only for some hrs of the day and becomes
normal for remaining hrs.(Malaria)
 Remittent fever: temperature remains above
normal through out the day and fluctuates
more than 1*c in 24 hrs.(Infective endocarditis)
Check the temperature of the patient

complete blood count: Total WBC and

differential count elicits leukocytosis.
 Monitor vital signs of the patient.
 Provide cold applications
 Administer Tab. Paracetamol to treat fever.
 Administer Antibiotics to treat infection
 Provide cold drinks and fluids to decrease
temperature.
 Remove tightened clothes
 Provide ventilation by switching on fans
and AC.