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Fever
The onset of a fever is a sign that the body is fighting an
infection, and is a symptom rather than an illness.
Taking a temperature:
The child should remain calm for awhile before taking of the
temperature, as if she has been crying, it could add rise to the
actual temperature, resulting in an incorrect reading.
Prepare the thermometer, by making sure it is clean and shaking
down the mercury below the line for normal (36,6°C).
Rectal:
Place your baby/child on a comfortable surface, baring her
bottom. Lubricate the end of the thermometer, and carefully
insert (don't force) about an inch of the bulbed, lubricated end
into her rectum, speaking reassuringly as you do. Hold in place
for two minutes. Remove the thermometer, wiping with a clean
tissue before attempting to read it.
Underarm:
This is somewhat a less accurate method of taking a temperature,
but it works well in babies suffering from other illnesses such
as diarrhoea. Remove baby's top clothing, so that it doesn't
interfere by coming between the thermometer and the baby's skin.
Place the thermometer (oral or rectal) in the child's armpit,
holding the arm down against his side. Keep the thermometer in
place for five or more minutes.
Oral:
This temperature taking method can only be used once the child
is of an age to be able to hold the thermometer securely under
her tongue, and understand directions not to bite down on it.
The child can be placed in a lying, sitting or standing position
and if possible not had any hot/cold food/drink in the last 15
minutes - this can interfere with the reading. Place the
thermometer under the child's tongue and get her to hold in
place, lips closed for two to four minutes.
Reading the thermometer:
A rectal reading is by far the most accurate, but an oral or
armpit reading will be just as effective although it may
register one degree lower than the actual temperature. Normal
temperature is 36°C, although a slight variation (between 36,6°
and 37°C) is of no significance. Hold the thermometer up towards
a light and gently rotate until you see the silver mercury. Line
it up to the corresponding number - the point where the mercury
ends indicates the temperature. Keep a note of this reading to
be able to give your doctor accurate details.
Treating a fever:
Remove clothing: Undress your child, leaving her totally
unclad or only in a vest and nappy, this will allow excessive
heat to escape. Don't bundle her up, if she complains of being
cold or starts shivering as this is just a bodily reaction as it
tries to fight the fever, rather place a light sheet or
pillowcase over her.
Luke warm sponge baths: Making sure the water is lukewarm - (not
too hot or cold, as this will just cause a reverse reaction),
sponge her down or if she is old enough let her sit in the bath
while you gently sponge water over her body. Pat her dry and
dress her in light clothing.
Increase fluid intake:
Suffering from a fever, increases the loss of bodily fluids
through the skin. Offer your baby/child cool liquids in the form
of boiled water, juice or her normal milk feeds.
Medication:
There are a number of effective fever reducing medications on
the market, so it is suggested that you consult your doctor or
pharmacist on the best one to use.
Convulsions:
An extremely high fever occasionally causes convulsions, that
usually only last for a minute or two, especially in babies and
young children. During a seizure the child will roll her eyes,
her body will stiffen and she may even foam at the mouth and
begin fierce jerking movements. These can be very frightening
for the parents, but it is important to remain calm throughout
the ordeal - convulsions do no harm to the child.
- Hold your baby gently in your arms or lay her down on her
side with her head lower than her body (if possible).
- Don't try and feed her or put anything into her mouth
while she is busy convulsing.
- He may lose consciousness during the attack, but should
revive soon afterwards without additional help.
- If the seizure lasts for five or more minutes, seek
emergency help.
- Once your baby has recovered from the seizure, he may seem
sleepy. Lie him down on his side, covered with a light blanket
then call the doctor.
- After the attack, give your child a luke warm sponge bath
and control his temperature with appropriate medication
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