febervurdering

Febervurdering, literally fever assessment, is a systematic approach used in medical practice to evaluate a patient's fever. It involves measuring body temperature, recording the time frame of the temperature rise, and identifying the pattern of temperature change. The assessment helps clinicians determine the underlying cause of the fever, decide on urgency of care, and choose appropriate diagnostic tests.

Key components of a febervurdering include measuring temperature with reliable devices such as oral, tympanic, or axillary thermometers. Temperature readings are compared against the patient’s baseline or a reference range for their age group. The duration of fever—whether it is a single spike or sustained for several days—is noted, as longer durations may signal bacterial infections or systemic disease. Physicians also note associated symptoms such as chills, rash, cough or abdominal pain, which guide differential diagnosis.

The febervurdering forms part of the broader anamnesis and physical examination in acute medical settings, especially in emergency departments and primary care clinics. Guidelines from national health authorities recommend a quick, structured fever assessment for all patients presenting with elevated temperature, to reduce unnecessary investigations and focus resources on high‑risk cases. In some countries, standardized protocols assign a scoring system to triage patients based on fever severity and accompanying signs.

Correct application of febervurdering reduces diagnostic errors and improves patient safety. It enables timely identification of potentially life‑threatening conditions such as sepsis or meningitis while avoiding over‑testing in low‑risk individuals. The practice also supports antimicrobial stewardship by distinguishing viral from bacterial fevers, thereby influencing prescription decisions.