Fever

Question 1

In situations involving a patient with a fever (known fever >38.5°C), what should the paramedic consider?

Answer 1

• Overdose
• Sepsis
• Meningitis
• Heat-related illness

These considerations are critical for assessing potential life/limb/function threats.

Question 2

What are the evidences typically associated with sepsis?

Answer 2

• Presence of fever >38.5°C
• Possible infection suspected (e.g., pneumonia, urinary tract infection, abdominal pain, meningitis, cellulitis, septic arthritis, infected wound)
• Presence of any one of:
  
  • SBP <90
  • Respiratory rate >22 breaths/minute or intubated for respiratory support
  • Acute confusion or reduced level of consciousness

If sepsis is suspected, findings should be reported to the receiving facility.

Question 3

During a secondary survey, what should be assessed in the lungs?

Answer 3

Adventitious sounds through auscultation

This assessment is part of the minimum requirements for evaluating a patient with fever.

Question 4

What skin conditions should be assessed during the secondary survey?

Answer 4

• Jaundice
• Rash
• Signs of dehydration

These conditions can indicate underlying health issues in a febrile patient.

Question 5

What should be checked in the head/neck during the secondary survey?

Answer 5

• Photophobia
• Scleral jaundice
• Stiff neck
• Headache

These signs may indicate serious conditions such as meningitis.

Question 6

What should be assessed in the abdomen during the secondary survey?

Answer 6

As per the Abdominal Pain (non-Traumatic) Standard

This assessment is crucial for identifying potential abdominal issues in febrile patients.

Question 7

What is the protocol for temperature management in a febrile patient?

Answer 7

Remove excess layers of clothing to promote passive cooling, not actively cool the patient

This approach helps manage fever without causing harm.

Question 8

What potential problems should be prepared for in a febrile child or an adult with serious disorders?

Answer 8

Seizures

This is particularly important if meningitis is suspected.

Question 9

In situations involving a patient with a fever (known fever >38.5°C), what should the paramedic consider?

Answer 9

• Overdose
• Sepsis
• Meningitis
• Heat-related illness

These considerations are critical for assessing potential life/limb/function threats.

Question 10

What are the evidences typically associated with sepsis?

Answer 10

• Presence of fever >38.5°C
• Possible infection suspected (e.g., pneumonia, urinary tract infection, abdominal pain, meningitis, cellulitis, septic arthritis, infected wound)
• Presence of any one of:
  
  • SBP <90
  • Respiratory rate >22 breaths/minute or intubated for respiratory support
  • Acute confusion or reduced level of consciousness

If sepsis is suspected, findings should be reported to the receiving facility.

Question 11

During a secondary survey, what should be assessed in the lungs?

Answer 11

Adventitious sounds through auscultation

This assessment is part of the minimum requirements for evaluating a patient with fever.

Question 12

What skin conditions should be assessed during the secondary survey?

Answer 12

• Jaundice
• Rash
• Signs of dehydration

These conditions can indicate underlying health issues in a febrile patient.

Question 13

What should be checked in the head/neck during the secondary survey?

Answer 13

• Photophobia
• Scleral jaundice
• Stiff neck
• Headache

These signs may indicate serious conditions such as meningitis.

Question 14

What should be assessed in the abdomen during the secondary survey?

Answer 14

As per the Abdominal Pain (non-Traumatic) Standard

This assessment is crucial for identifying potential abdominal issues in febrile patients.

Question 15

What is the protocol for temperature management in a febrile patient?

Answer 15

Remove excess layers of clothing to promote passive cooling, not actively cool the patient

This approach helps manage fever without causing harm.

Question 16

What potential problems should be prepared for in a febrile child or an adult with serious disorders?

Answer 16

Seizures

This is particularly important if meningitis is suspected.