9 - Fever Flashcards
Why must humans maintain a stable body temperature within a narrow range?
Metabolic processes are dependent on temperatures being kept within that range
Name the condition where the body temperature is too high.
Hyperthermia
Name the condition where the body temperature is too low.
Hypothermia
Why is temperature different at surfaces of the body than at its core?
Surfaces exchange heat with the environment
How is body temperature kept relatively stable?
Circulation of blood
What is the normal range for core temperature?
36.2 to 37.4 deg C
Time of day and point in the ___ cycle cause temperature to fluctuate.
Menstrual
Why does the temperature on the forehead tend to be lower than the core body temperature?
Environmental temperature cools it down
Of the following, list the 2 most accurate areas to measure core body temperature: armpit, mouth, rectum, vagina.
- Rectum
2. Vagina
Of the following, list the 2 least accurate areas to measure core body temperature: armpit, mouth, rectum, vagina.
- Mouth
2. Armpit
Order the following areas from most to least accurate for measurement of core body temperature.
- Ear
- Mouth + Armpit
- Rectum + Vagina
- Rectum + Vagina
- Ear
- Mouth + Armpit
Symptoms of hyperthermia manifest primarily in the ___ nervous system.
Central
Symptoms of hypothermia manifest primarily in the ___ nervous system.
Central
The main effect of hypothermia is a slowing down of metabolism. What are some signs and symptoms that would be indicative of a dangerously slow metabolism?
- Low heart rate
- Weak pulse
- Slurred speech
- Sluggishness
- Clumsiness
- Memory loss
- Unconsciousness
The main effect of hyperthermia is a speeding up of metabolism. What are some signs and symptoms that would be indicative of a dangerously fast metabolism?
- Cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Coma
Compare the effect of hyperthermia and hypothermia on metabolic rate.
Hyperthermia: increases metabolic rate
Hypothermia: decreases metabolic rate
Hyperthermia ___ metabolic rate.
Increases
Hypothermia ___ metabolic rate.
Decreases
Body temperature above ___ deg C can be very dangerous.
40
Body temperature below ___ deg C can be fatal.
28
What is the typical age for a febrile convulsion?
6 months to 5 years
A child has a febrile convulsion. When you see them, they are not fully alert. What are the first two things you should do?
- Put the child in the recovery position
2. Maintain their vital signs
A child presents with a febrile convulsion. List 4 illnesses that need to be excluded.
- Meningitis
- Septicemia
- UTI
- Chest infection
What type of parasite causes malaria?
Plasmodium
How does malaria induce pallor?
Causes the blood vessels to constrict
What stain would identify malaria in a blood film?
Giemsa
Abnormal body temperature is dangerous both for its own effects and for the mechanisms by which the body tries to ___ it.
Control
Why are you more likely to feel cold sitting next to a window with no curtains?
Body loses heat via radiation to a nearby cold surface
Abnormal body temperature mainly affects which system?
CNS (central nervous system)
Describe why some surgeries are performed after cooling the body temperature.
Lower body temperature ->
Lower metabolic rate ->
Reduced oxygen requirements ->
Body parts less vulnerable to lack of oxygen
The core temperature depends on the balance between heat lost and heat ___.
Gained
How does exercise increase body heat?
Raises metabolic rate
Why do you feel hotter after eating a meal?
Increased metabolic rate raises core body temperature
List 2 involuntary physiological mechanisms for increasing body heat.
- Shivering
2. Activation of brown adipose tissue
What are the 4 processes by which body heat can be lost?
- Convection
- Conduction
- Radiation
- Evaporation
Why do convection, conduction, and radiation only reduce body heat when the environment is cooler than the body?
Heat must SHIFT from the body to the environment
Which form of heat loss can occur even when the environment is hotter than the body?
Evaporation (via sweat)
Air is a ___ conductor.
Poor
List 2 ways that clothes keep the body warm. (Hint: both related to air.)
- Trap air, which is a good insulator
2. Reduce convective loss
In which condition would air, which a good insulator, actually reduce body heat?
When it is flowing (e.g., wind chill)