A nurse is teaching the parent of an 8-month-old infant who had a febrile seizure about management of future fevers. Which instruction is appropriate to include in the teaching?

Question

A nurse is teaching the parent of an 8-month-old infant who had a febrile seizure about management of future fevers.  Which instruction is appropriate to include in the teaching?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Febrile seizures are an alarming experience for parents. They most commonly occur in children between ages 6 months to 6 years, with the peak of incidence occurring at age 18 months. The etiology is unknown. Simple febrile seizure management typically involves reassurance regarding the benign nature of most febrile seizures, and education about the risk of recurrence and seizure safety precautions (eg, side-lying positioning, removal from harmful environments). Parents should use antipyretics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (in children age >6 months) to control fever and make the child more comfortable (Option A). However, there is no evidence that antipyretics reduce the risk of future febrile seizures. After the administration of antipyretics, additional cooling methods that may be beneficial for reducing fever include applying cool, damp compresses to the forehead; increasing air circulation in the room; and wearing loose or minimal clothing. (Options B and D) Bathing an infant in tepid water and placing ice bags under the arms and around the neck are not recommended techniques as these induce shivering, increase metabolic activity, have no antiseizure effects, and cause discomfort for the child. (Option C) Parents should be instructed to call 911 and seek medical assistance for a seizure lasting more than 5 minutes. Neurologic damage can occur with frequent and prolonged seizures. Educational objective: Febrile seizures, although alarming, are generally benign. Parents should be instructed on appropriate cooling methods (eg, antipyretics, cool compresses), seizure safety precautions, and the avoidance of shivering.

A Nurse Is Teaching the Parent of an 8-Month-Old Infant