A critically ill child has hyperthermia. The parents ask the nurse to give an antipyretic such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). The nurse should explain that antipyretics:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

DAntipyretics like acetaminophen are designed to reduce fever by acting on the hypothalamus to lower the body's thermostat. However, in cases of hyperthermia, the body's temperature is elevated not because of an adjustment in the hypothalamic set point (as in fever), but due to excessive heat production or inadequate heat dissipation. Therefore, antipyretics are of limited value because they do not address the underlying cause of hyperthermia, such as environmental heat exposure or heat stroke. They do not cause malignant hyperthermia or febrile seizures; these are unrelated conditions.

A Critically Ill Child Has Hyperthermia