Body temperature Flashcards
What is considered normal body temperature?
36.1°C-37.2°C
What controls temperature?
The thermoregulatory centre is located in the hypothalamus.
How is temperature measured for healthy individuals?
Thermometer readings of under the tongue, in the ear canal, and in the rectum.
What is the thermoneutral zone?
It is between 27°C and 32°C and is the range of external temperature at which core temperature can be maintained for a naked adult at rest without shivering or sweating.
What is a fever?
An increased temperature typically as a result of infection or certain medications.
What is hypothermia?
Decreased body temperature below 36.1°C triggering thermoregulation mechanisms.
Mild hypothermia symptoms include shivering, vasoconstriction, tachycardia, tachypnoea, coordination disturbances, apathy, and a reduction in circulatory blood volume.
Moderate hypothermia symptoms include hypoventilation, bradycardia, hypotension, reflex suppression, enlarged pupils, and loss of consciousness. Shivering ceases.
Severe hypothermia causes circulatory and respiratory system collapse.
What is hyperthermia?
Increased body temperature above 40°C.
Symptoms include blurred vision, tachycardia, coordination disturbances, hypotension, memory loss, slurred speech, loss of consciousness, and death
What is homeostasis?
State of equilibrium within the body, self-regulating process to maintain internal stability including temperature regulating mechanisms.
What is hemostasis?
Mechanism that leads to cessation of bleeding from a blood vessel. Formation of a “plug” that closes up damaged site to control bleeding.
What is Raynaud’s disease?
A condition causing smaller arteries that supply blood flow to the skin to constrict in response to cold or stress. Affected body parts, commonly fingers and toes may turn white or blue and feel cold and numb.
