When it comes to “having a fever”, the main symptom is definitely having a body temperature higher than 37 degrees Celsius. The heat accumulated in the body often causes discomfort. When having a fever, besides taking medication, the popular method to reduce fever is sponging the body to reduce fever, using water to help dissipate heat from the body. But did you know? There are specific methods and steps to make sponging more effective. Today, we have some good advice from experts to share with you.
What do you need for sponging to reduce fever?
- 1-2 basins of water, filled with warm water about half full
- 2 or more washcloths
- 1 towel
- 2 Cold-Hot packs or 1 hot water bag and 1 ice pack, each with a cover
With the sponging equipment ready, let’s get started!
- If the air conditioner is on, turn it off before starting to sponge
- Remove the clothes of the person with a fever and cover the chest with a cloth
- Use a washcloth dampened and wrung out, start sponging the face, neck, and behind the ears. Then change the cloth and place it at the neck fold
- Apply compresses on the chest and abdomen, and rest the cloth over the heart for a moment before changing the cloth and repeating 2-3 times
- Sponge both hands or have the person with a fever hold the cloth in their hands for a while
- Sponge one arm at a time, starting with the arm farthest from the body. Sponge from the wrist toward the heart, then rest the cloth at the elbow crease and armpit for a moment. Repeat 2-3 times, then sponge the arm closest to the body in the same manner
- Sponge one leg at a time, starting with the leg farthest from the body. Sponge from the foot toward the heart, then rest the cloth at the knee crease, under the knee, and groin for a moment. Repeat 2-3 times, then sponge the leg closest to the body in the same manner
- Turn the person with a fever on their side facing you. Start sponging the back, from the nape toward the heart, then sponge the sacrum area toward the heart. Repeat several times
- Pat the person dry and have them wear comfortable clothes that are neither too thin nor too thick
- Measure the temperature again about half an hour after sponging
Important tips! Help reduce fever more effectively
- Have the patient drink plenty of water while sponging
- Use a damp wrung-out cloth to apply compresses on the neck folds, armpits, groin, and other creases
- Change the cloth frequently. If the patient experiences chills, stop immediately. Sponging should take about 15-20 minutes
- During sponging, have the patient move as little as possible to avoid increased metabolism, which may prevent the fever from reducing
- Do not give the patient hot water to drink immediately after sponging until the temperature is measured
- Sponge gently, especially for young children whose skin is delicate and may be injured by rough sponging
References
- Basic Nursing Manual, Department of Fundamental Nursing, Keawkarun Nursing College
- Nursing Practice Manual, Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital
