Fever Bath
- Client should get into a tub with water at 105 to 108 degrees or as hot as can be initially tolerated. Do not use the hand to gauge the heat. Instead, if you do not have a bath thermometer, use your elbow to test the water instead of your hand. Your hand can tolerate more heat than the rest of your body and is not the judge of how hot the water is.
- Slowly add hot water until temperature is as close to 110º as possible.
- There should be a container of ice water with towels to use as packs on the head. Roll some ice in a cold wet towel and place it on the back of the neck for the duration of the treatment.. Ice water should be provided for drinking. The ice around the neck and on the head is to prevent the brain from becoming too hot.
- The temperature of the body and the tub should be taken at least every 5 minutes. The body temperature should reach 102 if possible.
- After 20 – 25 minutes, let the water out of the tub. The left over ice water should be poured over the feet while the client sits on the side of the tub.
- The client should get into the shower, being careful not to place feet on cold floor. End with a cold shower turning around until cooled down.
- This treatment is tiring and draining. Be sure that when the client stands up, he or she is not dizzy. Go to bed immediately after the treatment for at least 30 minutes.
- If during the treatment, the client is about to faint, stop the treatment and revive him or her with cold water, cayenne tincture under the tongue, and / or lobelia tincture under the tongue.