During a home visit, which of the following drugs will be given by a community health nurse to reduce fever?

Appeared in: UPUMS Nsg officer-2023

Explanation

Paracetamol, also known as Acetaminophen, is classified as an antipyretic (fever-reducing) and analgesic (pain-relieving) agent.
It is the standard and most appropriate choice for the symptomatic treatment of fever in a community setting, as confirmed by pediatric and general drug therapy guidelines.
The drug works by acting on the heat-regulating center in the brain's hypothalamus to lower the body's temperature set point.
Its established safety profile and effectiveness make it a staple medication for community health nurses during home visits.

Option A: Tab Septran is an antibiotic (co-trimoxazole) used to treat bacterial infections.
Option C: Syrup Gelusil is an antacid used to neutralize stomach acid.
Option D: Tab Folifer is a hematinic supplement containing iron and folic acid.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Pharmacological management of fever in a community health setting helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
A key nursing responsibility is patient education. The nurse must instruct the family on the correct dosage of Paracetamol based on age and weight, the frequency of administration, and the maximum daily dose to avoid liver toxicity.
While providing Paracetamol for symptomatic relief, the nurse must also assess for warning signs or underlying conditions that may require referral to a doctor. Fever is a symptom, not a disease.
What if? If the patient with a fever is an infant under 3 months old, the protocol changes. The nurse should not just give Paracetamol but should advise immediate medical consultation, as fever in this age group can indicate a serious infection.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core clinical need stated in the question: the need to "reduce fever".
Next, systematically evaluate each option by recalling or identifying its primary drug class and therapeutic action.
Analyze Option A (Septran): Recognize it as an antibiotic, which treats infection, not the symptom of fever directly.
Analyze Option B (Paracetamol): Identify it as a primary antipyretic (fever reducer). This directly matches the question's requirement.
Analyze Option C (Gelusil) and D (Folifer): Identify them as an antacid and a nutritional supplement, respectively, both unrelated to fever management.
Conclude that Paracetamol is the only medication listed that is indicated for the direct purpose of reducing fever.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Pharmacological management of fever in a community health setting.
Stem keywords: home visit, community health nurse, reduce fever, drug
Lead-in keywords: which of the following
Clinical cues: The care setting changes urgency, monitoring level, and the expected nursing action.
Negative lead-in flag: false

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E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) pp. 822-824, 840-842, 824-826

Practise the full UPUMS Nsg officer-2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.