NCLEX RN Client Needs Physiological Adaptation Related

Review NCLEX RN Client Needs Physiological Adaptation related questions and content

The nurse is planning to give a tepid tub bath to a child experiencing hyperthermia. Which action should the nurse plan to perform?

  • A. Obtain isopropyl alcohol to add to the bath water.
  • B. Allow 5 minutes for the child to soak in the bath water.
  • C. Have cool water available to add to the warm bath water.
  • D. Warm the water to the same body temperature as the child's.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Adding cool water to an already warm bath allows the water temperature to slowly drop. The child is able to gradually adjust to the changing water temperature and will not experience chilling. Alcohol is toxic, can cause peripheral vasoconstriction, and is contraindicated for tepid sponge or tub baths. The child should be in a tepid tub bath for 20 to 30 minutes to achieve maximum results. To achieve the best cooling results, the water temperature should be at least 2 degrees lower than the child's body temperature.