Health Promotion and Maintenance
16. An infant is hospitalized following a febrile seizure. When a nurse teaches the infant's family about the prevention of future seizures, what would be the nurse's best recommendation?
Health Promotion and Maintenance
16. An infant is hospitalized following a febrile seizure. When a nurse teaches the infant's family about the prevention of future seizures, what would be the nurse's best recommendation?
. Place the child in a tepid bath during the next febrile illness.
. Administer antipyretics around the clock the next time the child has a fever.
. Contact the physician for antibiotics if the child becomes feverish again.
. Take the child's temperature frequently during the next illness.
Test-Taking Tip
The question asks how to prevent febrile seizures. The responses that assess temperature ( Answer 4 ) and treat infection ( Answer 3 ) should therefore be eliminated. Of the remaining two options, one is contraindicated and cannot be the correct response.
Content Area: Child Health, Neurological; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Implementation; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Reduction of Risk Potential/Potential for Complications from Surgical Procedures and Health Alterations
Health Promotion and Maintenance
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Answer 1 is incorrect because tepid baths are contraindicated in the treatment of fevers as they cause shivering, which leads to a further elevation in temperature. Answer 2 is correct because febrile seizures are thought to occur when a child who is ill has a sudden high fever. To prevent this situation, the parents should be instructed to administer an antipyretic around the clock during the next febrile illness. Answer 3 is incorrect because antibiotics are not indicated for every childhood illness and antipyretic administration is the best way to prevent a spike in body temperature. Answer 4 is incorrect because, although the parents should monitor the child's temperature, the administration of an antipyretic is the best prevention measure for febrile seizures.