Patient's question:
The child is 5 years old. At 10 a.m., they developed a fever of 40°C. The fever reducer didn't work, so they were given dexamethasone under anesthesia. By 5 p.m., the fever subsided to 38.5°C. At 9:30 p.m., it was 37.4°C.I would like to consult about the side effects of dexamethasone and the nursing precautions for high fever. Should the child be wrapped up to sweat after taking medication or dressed normally? If the child feels cold and has cold hands and feet, how should they be cared for?
Doctor's answer:
Using dexamethasone, a corticosteroid medication, can lead to a decrease in the body's immune system. High fever should be closely monitored for changes in body temperature. If the temperature is below 38.5°C, take fever-reducing medication. If the temperature is below 38.5°C, physical cooling should be the primary method. Drink plenty of plain water, use cooling patches, and wipe with warm water. After taking medication, you can return to normal clothing and avoid sweating. If a child feels cold and has cold hands and feet, there may be a risk of high fever, so it is recommended to monitor body temperature changes promptly.