Chapter 14.L2, Problem 9CT

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The specific target of fever-suppressing drugs and some guidelines for knowing when to suppress fevers.

Introduction:

A fever is an abnormal increase in body temperature anywhere between 37.7°C or 100°F, to 41.1°C or 106°F. Fevers are caused by chemical mediators (both from outside and produced by the body) called pyrogens that modify the way the hypothalamus controls temperature.