A mother calls the clinic because her 2-year-old daughter has a rectal temperature of 37.8°C (100°F). She wonders how high a fever should be before she should give medications to reduce it. What is the best response by the nurse?
1. "All fevers should be treated to prevent seizures."
2. "Antipyretics should be used with any rise in temperature. They can help change the course of the infection."
3. "Give your child aspirin when her fever is above 38°C (100.4°F)."
4. "In a normal healthy child, if your child is not uncomfortable, fevers less than 39°C (102.2°F) do not require medication."
Answer: "In a normal healthy child, if your child is not uncomfortable, fevers less than 39°C (102.2°F) do not require medication."