To treat a fever in a client with a bacterial infection and persistent temperature of 38.9 C (102 F), what intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Administering acetaminophen is the appropriate intervention to include in the plan of care for a client experiencing a fever due to a bacterial infection. Acetaminophen is an antipyretic medication, meaning it is specifically designed to reduce fever. It works by inhibiting the hypothalamic heat-regulating center, which helps lower the body’s temperature. This can provide comfort to the patient and prevent potential complications associated with high fever, such as dehydration or an increased metabolic demand on the body.

While applying ice packs or maintaining a cooler room temperature might seem advantageous, these methods can induce shivering or discomfort, which could ultimately raise the body temperature rather than help it decrease effectively. Assisting the client to ambulate does have benefits, including improving circulation and overall health, but it is not directly related to the immediate need to treat a fever. Thus, utilizing acetaminophen effectively addresses the primary issue of the raised temperature, aligning with established nursing interventions for managing fever.