boy with a fever

Question 1

describe fever

Answer 1

• state of increased core body temperature
• often part of defensive response to invasion by pathogens
• normal = 36.8 (35.6-38.2)
  
  • women slightly higher than men

Question 2

body heat control

Answer 2

• metabolism
• distributed by circulation
• controlled by cutaneous BF changes
• under influence of thermo-regulation in hypothalamus
• core and cutaneous thermo-sensors

Question 3

fever pathophysiology

Answer 3

• pyrogen activated leucocytes
• cytokines (IL-6) released, interact with nuclei in hypothalamus
• cause febrile response = fever, malaise, lethargy, loss of appetite

Question 4

function of fever

Answer 4

• neutrophil granules more likely to release ROS at higher temperatures
• enhances phagocytosis, antibody function

Question 5

why treat a fever

Answer 5

febrile convulsions (often infants, benign)

• not recommended to use paracetamol to treat fever

Question 6

significance of fever

Answer 6

• height of fever does not matter (just presence)

however height in some young children may have implications