APPLICATION OF WATER TEPID SPONGE TO DECREASE BODY TEMPERATURE IN PRESCHOOLERS (3–6 YEARS) WITH HYPERTHERMIA IN THE CHILDREN'S ROOM OF PINDAD GENERAL HOSPITAL BANDUNG

Abstract

Hyperthermia is a condition characterized by an elevated body temperature above the normal range, commonly occurring in preschool-aged children due to infection. Children aged 3–6 years have an immature thermoregulatory system, making them more susceptible to complications such as febrile seizures, dehydration, and metabolic disturbances. One of the non-pharmacological interventions that can be used to help reduce body temperature is the water tepid sponge technique. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the water tepid sponge intervention in reducing body temperature among preschool-aged children (3–6 years) with hyperthermia in the Pediatric Ward of RSU Pindad Bandung. A descriptive case study using a nursing care approach was conducted involving four preschool-aged children with hyperthermia. Data were collected through interviews, observations, physical examinations, body temperature measurements, and nursing documentation. The water tepid sponge intervention was administered for 15–30 minutes according to the standard operating procedure (SOP) for three consecutive days. All participants experienced a reduction in body temperature following the intervention. On the first day, the average decrease in body temperature ranged from 1.1°C to 1.2°C.  After three days of intervention, the body temperatures of all participants returned to the normal range, between 36.4°C and 36.9°C.  The water tepid sponge intervention was found to be effective in reducing body temperature among preschool-aged children with hyperthermia and can be used as a non-pharmacological nursing intervention in the management of fever in children