Abstract
An increase in temperature above the normal range
of 35.6°C-38.2°C (Ryan and Levy 2003) can indicate
the presence of infection or sepsis. When the body
detects infection, a series of responses to control
infection are initiated that result in a rise in systemic
temperature. Research suggests that this rise in
temperature can be regarded as a cure, in that it is
part of the autonomic response to remove infection
and create a favourable environment for antibiotics.
Nevertheless, it remains common practice to try to
reduce fever with medication and physical cooling
methods. This article explores the physiological
changes that occur during bacterial sepsis that result
in increased temperature, and discusses the pros
and cons of administering antipyretic medication.
The aim is to enable nurses to understand and
support patients who present with fever.