A nurse is working on a medical unit in an acute care hospital.One of the patients she is caring for has a fever of 100.6° F.Which of the following is the best reason why the patient should not receive an antipyretic at this time?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fever,or pyrexia,is an important defense mechanism.Therefore most health care providers will not treat an adult's fever until it is higher than 39° C (102.2° F).For healthy young adults the average oral temperature is 37° C (98.6° F).In the elderly population,the average core temperature ranges from 35° to 36.1° C (95° to 97° F)because of decreased immunity.Shivering is counterproductive because of the heat produced by muscle activity.Although not used to treat fever,corticosteroids reduce heat production by interfering with the hypothalamic response.It is important to note that these drugs mask signs of infection by suppressing the immune system.

A Nurse Is Working on a Medical Unit in an Acute