What should a nurse do if a child is not responding well to fever-reducing medication?

When a child is not responding well to fever-reducing medication, consulting a physician for further instructions is the appropriate action. This step ensures that the healthcare team can assess the child's condition more thoroughly and consider potential underlying causes of the persistent fever. The physician may recommend adjusting the treatment plan, including modifying medication types or dosages based on the child's clinical status and response to the initial treatment.

Increasing the medication dosage immediately without a physician’s approval could lead to potential toxicity or adverse effects, as pediatric dosing must consider the child’s age, weight, and overall health condition. Similarly, administering another type of medication without proper guidance could present interactions or complications with existing treatments. Waiting until the next scheduled dose does not address the immediate concern of the child's inadequate response and may leave them uncomfortable or at risk if their condition worsens. Therefore, involving a physician is the best course of action to ensure the child's safety and well-being.