Body Temp Flashcards
What is body temperature?
The difference between the amount of heat produced by body processes and the amount lost to the external environment.
What is the average body temp for an adult?
36-38 degrees Celcius
Name the sites of measurement for CORE temp
- rectum
- tympanic membrane
- temporal artery
- esophagus
- pulmonary artery
- urinary bladder
Name the sites of measurement for SURFACE temp
- axillae
- skin
- mouth
What part of the body controls body temperature?
The hypothalamus!
- anterior controls heat loss
- posterior controls heat production
Name the mechanisms of heat loss (ant.)
- sweating
- vasodilation of blood vessels
- inhibition of head production
Name the mechanisms of heat production (post.)
- vasoconstriction of blood vessels
2. muscle contraction and shivering (when vasoconstriction is ineffective)
What is basal metabolism?
- heat production at absolute rest
- average BMR (basal metabolic rate) depends on body surface area
- affected by thyroid hormones ( increase chemical reactions in the body)
Heat production is a byproduct of ____.
metabolism
Non-shivering thermogenesis is primarily in _____
newborns (until about 2 weeks old)
Heat loss happens through:
- radiation (transfer from surface of an object to another w/out direct contact)
- conduction (transfer from 1 object to another w/ direct contact)
- convection (ex: fan promotes this)
- evaporation [i.e. diaphoresis(excessive sweating)]
What does the ability to control temperature depend on? (Hint: these factors help a nurse assess if a pt is @ risk for ineffective thermoregulation)
- Degree of temperature extreme
- Ability to sense comfort/discomfort
- Thought processes or emotions
- Mobility/persons ability to remove &/or add clothes
Name factors that affect body temp.
- Environment
- Age
- Exercise
- Hormone level (affects BMR)
- Circadian rhythm
- Stress
Another word meaning fever
Pyrexia
What is a fever?
When heat loss mechanisms can’t keep up with excess heat production.
