The Effect of Cold Steam Application on Body Temperature in Fever Management in Children with Febrile Neutropenia

Fever and neutropenia are common side effects of the myelosuppressive chemotherapy paediatric oncology patients undergo. This is one of the most prevalent causes of non-elective hospitalizations in patients in the population, accounting for 19% of patient applications. The fever that develops with neutropenia can result in significant complications, including brain damage, seizures and death. Therefore, it is critical to follow up patients at risk for signs and symptoms of infection, such as fever, chills or sweating, and to ensure effective fever management.

This research was designed to be conducted as a randomised controlled experiment study until the entire sample group identified in the Paediatric Oncology Service was reached. The algorithm of neutropenia management is used to treat children who are followed up at the paediatric oncology service, where the study will be conducted, due to febrile neutropenia. The control group will consist of children who have been treated using this algorithm (only the algorithm); whereas, the experimental group will consist of the children who will be applied to cold stream in addition to this algorithm (the algorithm + cold steam application). The body temperature values of patients in the experimental and control groups will be compared (from baseline to discharge (average 3 days)).

Cold Steam Application A nebulizer is positioned in the room, and the hose end, through which the steam is released, is supplied to the ambient air and operated in continuous mode during the cold steam application.

An Atom Sanilizer 30 ultrasonic nebulizer will be used to supply cold steam to every patient. The steam capacity of the device is 2.5 ml./min., the output power is 30 W.

The nebulizer will be used solely in the patient's room from the time the patient is admitted until his temperature is stabilised. During the private use period, the machine will not be exchanged between patients. During patient use, the device is cleaned with alcohol-based rapid surface disinfectant once a day. If another patient needs it, another device in the clinic will be utilized. The unit and the hospital already have a sufficient number of devices. After the patients' usage of the nebulizer is ended, the appliance is cleaned by using an alcohol-based rapid surface disinfectant, and the accessories are sterilized with a medium-level disinfectant in the Central Sterilization Unit.