A nurse is caring for a client who has a temperature of 40°C (104°F). Which of the following interventions should the nurse take?

The correct answer is choice c. List of community resources.

Choice A rationale:

Emergency contact information is typically found in the patient’s admission records or demographic section, not in the discharge summary.

Choice B rationale:

Intake and output summary is part of the daily nursing notes or fluid balance chart, not usually included in the discharge summary.

Choice C rationale:

The discharge summary often includes a list of community resources to support the patient after discharge, such as contact information for follow-up care, support groups, or home health services.

Choice D rationale:

Basic demographic data is recorded in the patient’s initial admission records and is not typically repeated in the discharge summary.

Choice A rationale:

Encouraging the client to ambulate is not appropriate when the client has a high fever of 40°C (104°F). Ambulation requires physical exertion and can potentially worsen the client's condition, especially when they are already experiencing discomfort due to the fever.

Choice B rationale:

Giving the client a cold sponge bath might seem like a logical approach to reduce fever; however, it is not the most effective and safest method. Cold water can cause vasoconstriction and shivering, potentially increasing the body's metabolic demands and raising the temperature further. Additionally, sudden temperature changes can be uncomfortable and may not provide sustained fever reduction.

Choice C rationale:

Administering antipyretics as prescribed is the correct choice. Antipyretic medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, work to lower fever by acting on the hypothalamus, the body's temperature-regulating center. By reducing fever, the body's metabolic rate and oxygen consumption are decreased, which can help prevent complications associated with high fever, such as dehydration and discomfort.

Choice D rationale:

Providing a cooling fan can offer some comfort, but it might not be sufficient to effectively lower the client's high fever. Fans primarily work by promoting evaporative cooling, which may not be efficient when the body temperature is significantly elevated. Additionally, relying solely on a cooling fan might delay the necessary intervention of administering antipyretic medication.