What is an appropriate nursing action for a patient with symptoms of fever and chills?

Assessing for possible causes is the most appropriate nursing action for a patient exhibiting symptoms of fever and chills. These symptoms can be indicative of an underlying infection or other complications, especially in patients undergoing hemodialysis. The nurse's primary responsibility in this scenario is to identify the source of the symptoms in order to initiate appropriate interventions.

By conducting a thorough assessment, the nurse can gather vital information regarding the patient's condition, such as recent changes in health status, exposure to infectious agents, and any other accompanying symptoms. This systemic evaluation is essential for guiding the treatment plan, which may include notifying the physician, ordering laboratory tests, or administering antibiotics if an infection is suspected.

Administering pain medications may not address the primary concern of fever and chills, as these symptoms require further investigation rather than immediate symptomatic relief. Adjusting dialysis settings could potentially overlook a critical issue related to an infection or inflammatory process. Increasing patient activity is also not an appropriate response, as the patient's symptoms may warrant rest and closer monitoring instead.