What nursing considerations apply when caring for a child with a fever?

Fever in children is defined as a temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius. The nurse should assess the child's overall appearance, activity level, and hydration status rather than treating the number alone. Antipyretics include acetaminophen and ibuprofen dosed by weight, not age. Aspirin is contraindicated in children under 19 with viral illness due to Reye syndrome risk. Encourage fluid intake. Use lightweight clothing and a comfortable ambient temperature. Tepid sponge baths may help but should not cause shivering, which increases metabolic heat production.