Tepid Sponge Bath

A tepid sponge bath is usually recommended for lowering a sick person's high fever. For water to be tepid, it must be neither hot, nor cold, just lukewarm. This is usually from 80 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit. First, you will want to place something underneath the patient to protect the sheets from getting wet. Have a thin sheet or blanket handy to cover the patient in private areas. Wearing gloves to avoid catching germs or transmitting them, dip your clean cloth in the tepid water. Squeeze out most of the water to avoid dripping and dab on forehead and other places on the body where temperature peaks and veins and arteries are present (like the neck, wrist and groin area especially). Wipe down arms and legs, rinsing and squeezing out the cloth periodically. Turn patient and do back area and buttocks. Check their temperature and re-dress the patient. Hopefully the sponge bath will have lowered their temperature somewhat. Provide a sheet if necessary but avoid anything heavy or heat inducing. After changing the patient's sheets, remove gloves and sanitize your hands well. http://www.ehow.com/how_2299684_do-tepid-sponge-bath-hospital.html