A critically ill 83-year-old woman with COVID-19 is recommended to receive which therapy for her fever?

In the context of managing fever in a critically ill patient, particularly an 83-year-old woman with COVID-19, acetaminophen is the appropriate choice for several reasons. Acetaminophen is a well-established antipyretic and analgesic that effectively reduces fever and alleviates discomfort. Its use is generally safe and can be administered in a range of clinical scenarios, making it a first-line option for symptomatic control of fever.

In addition, acetaminophen is often preferred due to its favorable safety profile compared to other medications, especially in elderly patients who may have multiple comorbidities or are taking multiple medications, potentially increasing the risk of adverse effects. It also does not interfere with immune function, which is an essential consideration in treating a viral infection like COVID-19.

Other therapies such as hydroxychloroquine, intravenous immunoglobulin, and tocilizumab have specific uses in the context of COVID-19 but are not primarily indicated for fever reduction. Hydroxychloroquine and tocilizumab are more focused on modulating the immune response and may not directly address fever management. Intravenous immunoglobulin is typically used for other indications rather than as a first-line treatment for fever in viral infections.

Thus,