Page 154 - Participant Manual

APPENDIX

SPECIAL

CONSIDERATIONS

FOR SIGNS AND

SYMPTOMS IN

CCHILDREN

Fever

Fever is defined as an elevated body temperature above the normal range of 97.7° F–99.5° F (36.5° C–37.5° C).
Fever is a common sign of illness in children and is often accompanied by other signs and symptoms of illness,
such as a headache, muscle aches, chills, loss of appetite, low energy, difficulty sleeping and vomiting. An infant
who has a fever may seem fussy, or he or she may be quiet and not as active as usual.

Fevers that last a long time or are very high can result in febrile seizures. A febrile seizure is a convulsion
brought on by a fever in an infant or small child. Febrile seizures are the most common types of seizures
in children. Most febrile seizures last less than 5 minutes and are not life threatening. Call 9-1-1 or the
designated emergency number for a febrile seizure if:

■ This is the first time that a child has had a febrile seizure.

■ The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or is repeated.
■ The seizure is followed by a quick increase in body temperature.

When a child or infant has a fever, make him or her as comfortable as possible and encourage the child to
rest. Check to ensure that the child or infant is not overdressed or covered with too many blankets. Usually
a single layer of clothing and a light blanket is all that is necessary. As long as the child or infant is alert and
able to swallow, offer clear liquids such as water, juice or chicken broth, or
continue to nurse or bottle-feed to prevent dehydration.
THE PROS KNOW.
If the child has a high fever, it is important to gently cool the child. Never rush _______
cooling down a child. If the fever has caused a febrile seizure, rapid cooling
could bring on other complications. Instead, remove any excessive clothing Never give aspirin to an infant
or blankets and sponge the child with lukewarm water. or child who has a fever or other
signs or symptoms of a flu-like or
Myth-Information. Rubbing alcohol helps cool the body and bring other viral illness. In this situation,
down a fever. Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) is dangerous to use taking aspirin can result in
to bring down a fever. It is quickly absorbed through the skin and is Reye’s syndrome, an extremely
easily inhaled, placing the infant or child at risk for alcohol poisoning. serious and life-threatening
Moreover, alcohol only cools the skin; it does not lower the internal condition that causes swelling in
body temperature. the brain and liver.

Appendix C Special Considerations for Signs and Symptoms in Children | 146 | First Aid/CPR/AED Participant’s Manual Appendix C Special Considerations for Signs and Symptoms in Children | 147 | First Aid/CPR/AED Participant’s Manual