Evaluation of Fever in the ICU Patient

First Things First (assess & treat for the following)

• Definition: A body temperature >38.3C (101F) represents a fever and an infectious source should be evaluated. However, 50% of episodes of fever are noninfectious.
• Does pt have hypotension?
  • Consider sepsis (see Sepsis).
    • Proceed with fluid resuscitation.
    • Early antibiotic therapy
    • Consider need for pressors/inotropes.
    • Consider adrenal insufficiency.
• Is pt hemodynamically stable?
• Is the pt neutropenic?
  • Neutropenia + fever = immediate antibiotics following cultures