Fundamentals of Nursing: The Art and Science of Person-Centered Care Tenth, North American Edition - Complementary and Integrative Health Related

Review Fundamentals of Nursing: The Art and Science of Person-Centered Care Tenth, North American Edition - Complementary and Integrative Health related questions and content

The patient has a temperature of 105.2?°F. The nurse is attempting to lower temperature by providing tepid sponge baths and placing cool compresses in strategic body locations. Which technique is the nurse using to lower the patient's temperature?

  • A. Radiation
  • B. Conduction
  • C. Convection
  • D. Evaporation
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Tepid sponge baths and cool compresses lower temperature via conduction (B), transferring heat from the skin to the cooler objects through direct contact. Radiation (A) involves heat loss to the environment without contact, not the primary method here. Convection (C) requires air movement (e.g., fans), not used. Evaporation (D) occurs with moisture vaporizing, a minor effect with tepid water but not dominant. Choice B is correct as conduction is the main mechanism, aligning with nursing interventions to reduce fever by physically drawing heat away from the body.