CRACKCast E200 – Fever in the Adult Patient

Core Questions:

1. What structure controls body temperature and how does it go about controlling it?
2. What are pyrogens and how are they classified?
3. What is the difference between fever and hyperthermia?
4. What is the role of PGE2 in fever and what medications can you give to combat its effects?
5. List four factors that blunt the febrile response.
6. What are the benefits and pitfalls of the febrile response?
7. List five infectious and five non-infectious causes of fever. (see Box/Table 9.1)
8. Describe your approach to the febrile patient. (see Figure 9.1/9.2)

Wisecracks:

1. What is the most accurate temperature measurement site?
2. How are heart rate and body temperature related?
3. How are respiratory rate and body temperature related?
4. How high must a fever be to necessitate rapid cooling interventions?