Other measures include sponging parts of the body with cool water to increase heat loss through evaporation of moisture. The part being sponged should be left exposed to the air until it is almost dry, and then should be lightly covered while another part is being sponged. An ice cap or cold compress on the forehead helps to reduce the fever and relieve headache and delirium. An alternative to sponging and a cool bath is the application of ice packs to specific parts of the body, such as the abdomen, groin, axillae, and spine. Fanning can also be effective, especially if the patient's torso is covered with a sheet saturated with water.
Chills are uncomfortable and sometimes frightening to the patient.
When the patient complains of feeling chilled or cold, some form of external warmth should be provided. An extra blanket is helpful as is a hot water bottle filled with warm, not hot, water. As the body temperature declines the difference between body temperature and environmental temperature will decrease and the patient will begin to feel warmer. These symptoms are the result of vasodilation of surface blood vessels, an attempt by the body to prevent further escalation of the body temperature. The patient with fever presents nursing care problems related to fluid volume deficit, alterations in nutrition, and potential for injury during attacks of delirium and convulsive seizures.