A 17-year-old male student has a temperature of 100°F after football practice. What is the best action for the nurse to take?

• A. Tell the student to proceed directly to his regularly scheduled class.
• B. Call the parent and suggest re-taking the student's temperature at home.
• C. Give the student a glass of cool fluids, then retake his temperature.
• D. Send the student to class, but re-verify his temperature after lunch.

Answer: (C)

The best action is to give the student a glass of cool fluids and then retake his temperature. This approach is appropriate because a temperature of 100°F, while slightly elevated, does not necessarily indicate a serious problem, especially after physical exertion like football practice. It is possible that his temperature may be a result of exertion rather than illness, so providing hydration can help lower the temperature and is important for recovery after physical activity. Additionally, retaking the temperature after hydration allows for a more accurate assessment of the student's condition.

This option also prioritizes the student's immediate well-being by addressing potential dehydration and the effects of the heat, which are relevant concerns in a physical activity setting. It avoids sending the student to class without further evaluation, ensuring that the nurse takes responsible steps to monitor the student's health before making any further recommendations about his attendance in class.