Management of Hyperthermia Through Water Tepid Sponge in Toddler with Febrile Seizures

Abstract

Febrile seizures are convulsions that occur due to an increase in body temperature above 38°C, commonly experienced by children aged 6 months to 5 years as a response of the brain to extracranial infections. The toddler period, or 12–36 months is a phase that is vulnerable to fever due to the immune and nervous systems that are not yet fully developed. Fever is the main factor that triggers seizures, and if not addressed promptly, it can lead to more serious complications. One non-pharmacological effort to reduce body temperature is through compressions, where an effective method used is the Water Tepid Sponge. This technique combines warm compresses applied to superficial blood vessels with body wiping methods to accelerate heat dissipation. The purpose of this writing is to describe the management of hyperthermia through Water Tepid Sponge in toddlers experiencing febrile seizures. The method used is descriptive through case studies with a nursing care approach. The nursing process includes assessment, diagnosis, intervention, implementation, and evaluation. Data are obtained through medical assessment, interviews, direct observation, and physical examination. The results obtained after the hyperthermia management intervention, mainly through Tepid Water Sponge for 3x24 hours, subjectively indicate that the child appears more comfortable, not fussy, and begins to play actively. Objectively, body temperature decreased from 38.7°C to 36.6°C, extremities were normal, and the facial skin showed no redness. Evaluation shows that the hyperthermia issue has been resolved. This case study concludes that the Tepid Water Sponge action is effective in lowering the body temperature of toddlers with febrile seizures. It is hoped that families can independently apply this to prevent further complications..