Disclosure(s): No relevant financial relationship(s) to disclose.
Disclosure(s):
Brian Jefferson, ACNP, DNP, FCCM: No relevant financial relationship(s) to disclose.
This presentation provides a comprehensive guide to managing fevers of unknown origin (FUO) in critically ill patients, focusing on following the recently published management guidelines from the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). Attendees will gain insights into the foundational aspects of fever management, including definitions of fever, appropriate use of antipyretic medications, and strategies for managing catheters to minimize infection risks. The presentation will identify the nuanced process of determining non-infectious causes of fever in critically ill patients, emphasizing the importance of a systematic approach to differential diagnosis. Attendees will the use of blood and urine cultures, to effectively identify and address potential infectious etiologies without overtreating with antibiotics. Additionally, the presentation delves into the critical decision-making process for distinguishing between fungal and viral causes of fever in the context of critical care. Through an exploration of clinical indicators and diagnostic considerations, attendees will gain practical insights into when to suspect fungal infections versus viral etiologies, facilitating timely and targeted therapeutic interventions. By integrating SCCM/IDSA guidelines with clinical decision-making principles, this presentation equips critical care professionals with the understanding of how to navigate the complexities of diagnosis and management of fevers of unknown origin in critically ill patients, ultimately optimizing patient outcomes in the critical care setting.
