If a technician notices a patient's temperature is elevated, what is the best course of action?

Notifying the nurse about the patient's condition is essential when a technician observes an elevated temperature. This action is crucial as it ensures that a licensed healthcare professional can assess the situation further and determine the appropriate interventions. Elevated temperature, or fever, can be a sign of an underlying infection or other health issues that may require medical management.

By informing the nurse, you allow for prompt evaluation and decision-making, which is critical in providing comprehensive patient care. The nurse can then decide if additional assessments, treatments, or monitoring are necessary based on the patient’s overall condition and history. This collaborative approach enhances patient safety and care quality.

While taking a second temperature reading can be useful to confirm the initial finding, it does not address the immediate need for professional intervention. Documenting the temperature is important for record-keeping but does not ensure timely medical response. Providing a cool compress may offer temporary comfort but does not replace the need for medical evaluation and appropriate treatment.