Journal of emergency nursing : JEN : official publication of the Emergency Department Nurses Association
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Management of pediatric fever is controversial. Although many nursing texts advocate aggressive fever management, research provides evidence that fever is a normal physiologic process with beneficial effects. We sought to describe emergency nurses' pediatric fever management practices, their rationales for practice, and their practice consistency. ⋯ The results of this nationwide survey demonstrate that fever management practices vary. ED nurses are practicing in a manner consistent with that advocated in many nursing texts but not necessarily the research literature. We believe that clinical trials of commonly used fever treatments are indicated. Standards of care could then be revised to reflect the research literature.