Frequency of Fever in Pediatric Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department With Non–Illness-Related Conditions

Abstract

A thorough yet focused assessment is imperative when caring for pediatric patients within an emergency department. The current practice guideline in the United States is to collect a “full set of vital signs,” including temperature, for infants and children presenting to the emergency department. 1 American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Pediatric Emergency Medicine, American College of Emergency Physicians Pediatric Committee, Emergency Nurses Association Pediatric Committee Joint policy statement—guidelines for care of children in the emergency department. Pediatrics. 2009; 124: 1233-1243 Crossref PubMed Scopus (158) Google Scholar This guideline does not specify a recommended site for temperature measurement based on a child's age or presentation. Other guidelines have identified sites of temperature measurement based on a child's age and whether the presentation is with fever or illness, along with options for temperature screening in other sites. Pediatric patients with trauma present unique challenges for temperature measurement; possible sites for measurement are summarized elsewhere. 2 Bernardo LM Henker R O'Connor J Temperature measurement in pediatric trauma patients: a comparison of thermometry and measurement routes. J Emerg Nurs. 1999; 25: 327-329 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (13) Google Scholar Of note, screening is a singular event that occurs during the triage process. Whether temperature measurement is part of screening or the initial assessment, the focus is on identifying elevated temperature. Mary Muth is Nurse Practitioner, Aurora Health Care, Milwaukee, WI. Jodie Statler is Staff Nurse, Emergency Department, Aurora Health Care, Milwaukee, WI. Deborah L. Gentile is Research Scientist, Center for Nursing Research and Practice, Aurora Health Care, Milwaukee, WI. Mary E. Hagle is Nurse Scientist, Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI. At the time of this study, Dr. Hagle was the Regional Manager of the Center for Nursing Research and Practice, Aurora Health Care, Milwaukee, WI.