TEPID SPONGING
~ Introduction
~Definition
~ Purpose
~ Indication
~ Containdication
~ Requirements
~ Procedure
~ Mechanism by which tepid sponging reduces body temperature
~ Complication
INTRODUCTION
Fever is a condition of body temperature above normal as a result of increase in temperature regulator
in the hypothalamus. Most of febrile child, fever was a result of the change of heat center
(thermoregulation center) at hypothalamus. The diseases followed by fever could attack the system
increasing the development of specific and nonspecific immunity in recovering toward infection. Fever is
condition of rectal temperature development >38°C (100.4°F) or oral temperature >37.8°C or axillary
temperature >37.2°C (99°F).The treatment of fever is directed toward using pharmacological and non-
pharmacological approach or both . Pharmacological approach is centred toward administering
chemotherapy such as antipyretics and mild analgesic drugs like paracetamol and ibuprofen. The non-
pharmacological approach in treatment of febrile condition include removing clothing, cooling the
environment with fans to improve ventilation and tepid sponging, which is the topic of our discussion.
Tepid Sponge is a procedure to increase the control of body temperature through evaporation and
conduction which is usually conducted to the high fever client. The purpose of this action is to decrease
the body temperature of hyperthermia clients.
DEFINITION
Tepid sponging is a procedure of sponging ( cleaning ) the body with tepid ( tap ) water to reduce body
temperature. It can also be described as the application of water to the patient's skin to promote
dispersal of body heat when the body temperature is 39.5 degree centigrade and over.
PURPOSE
✓ To reduce body temperature in pyrexia ,a high body temperature of about 39.5 degree celcius and
above.
INDICATIONS
Tepid sponging is indicated when patient is pyrexial due to one of the following conditions.
1 Invasion by pathogenic microorganisms
2 Disease of nervous system
3 Metabolic disorder eg hyperthyroidism which increases basal metabolic rate
4 Malignant/ Neoplastic disease
CONTRAINDICATIONS
1 Changes in vital signs
2 pallor
3 Changes in colour of the nail beds and lips
REQUIREMENTS
Trolley is needed containing the following items;
1 Basin or large mixing bowl for tepid water ( at a temperature of about 29 to 32 centigrade)
2 bed linens
3 hospital towel
4 Disposal face cloth
5 Patient gown
6 Receptacle for soiled items
7 thermometer
PROCEDURE
* Explain the Procedure to the patient or his/her relative to gaih his or her consent.
* Perform hand hygiene.
* Collect and prepare the equipments.
* Provide patient privacy.
* Measure, record and decument patient's body temperature.
* Spong or clean the patient's body with tepid water starting from forehead, nape of the neck, upper
limbs,the trunk, groin and lower limbs.
* Do not dry patient, leave water to evaporate.
* Perform hand hygiene again.
* Change bed linen and patient gown.
* Adminiter prescribed dose of antipyretics eg paracetamol.
* Measure and record patient's body temperature 20 minutes after the procedure.
* Decument the procedure, monitor for possible after_effect and report abnormal findings immediately.
MECHANISM BY WHICH TEPID SPONGING REDUCES BODY TEMPERATURE
By giving Tepid Sponge, it would be possible to have moist air flow and to help the release of body
temperature through convection. The body temperature, which is hotter than air or water temperature
will make the heat move to air molecules through direct contact with the skin surface . The giving of
Tepid Sponge could be done by wiping of warm water to all clients body. The effect of giving Tepid
Sponge are as follow: making vasodilatation of blood vessel, pores of skin, reduction of blood viscosity,
improving metabolism, and stimulating impulse through skin receptor which sent to hypothalamus
posterior to decrease the body temperature. The giving of Tepid Sponge could reduce body temperature
by 1.4°C in 20min.
COMPLICATIONS
* Shivering and crying in febrile child which instead, increases or sets body temperature up.
