Enviromental Emerency Flashcards
Homeostasis
Maintaining constant suitable conditions within body
Thermal Gradient
Difference in temperature between environment ( ambient temperature) and body
Thermogenesis
Heat generation
Thermoregulatory thermogenesis
Controlled by endocrine system
Thermolysis
Loss of heat
Evaporation
Body heat lost by evaporation of perspiration
Convection
Body heat lost to air
Conduction
Body heat lost to nearby objects
Radiation
Body heat lost to nearby objects without touching them
Unclothed person will lose ____ of body heat by radiation at room temperature
60%
Thermoregulation
Maintenance or regulation of temperature
Hypothalamus
Base of brain; responsible for temperature regulation; functions as thermostat
Peripheral thermorecepters
Skin and mucous membranes
Central thermorecepters
Deep tissues
Hyperthermia vasodilation
Blood carries heat to periphery for dissipation through skin
Signs of Thermolysis
Diaphoresis Increased skin temp Flushing AMS ALOC
Predisposing factors of hyperthermia
Age of patient : pedi and geri populations tolerate less variation in temperature
Health of patient : diabetics can become hyperthermia more easily (poor circulation)
Medications
Acclimation
Predisposing factors medications for hyperthermia
Diuretics- predispose to dehydration
Beta - blockers : interfere with vasodilation
Psychotropics and antihistamine : interfere with central Thermoregulation.
Heat cramps
Muscle cramps; over exertion and dehydration in prescence of atmospheric.
Sweating : loss of water; loss of electrolytes
Intermittent cramping of skeletal muscles may occur
Signs and symptoms of heat cramps
Painful ; not actual heat illness Fingers, arms , legs, abdominal muscles Mentally alert, weakness, dizzy , and faint Vitals signs stable Temp normal, slightly elevated Skin warm and moist
Heat exhaustion
Mild heat illness; acute reaction to heat exposure
Loss of water and sodium with vasodilation
Decreased circulating blood volume, venous pooling, reduced cardiac output.
Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion
Dehydration and electrolyte loss account for signs and symptoms
If not treated , may progress to heatstroke
Increased body temp, skin cool and clammy with heavy perspirations, breathing and shallow, weak pulse.
Diarrhea, muscle cramps, weak, maybe LOC
If CNS symptoms, treat for heatstroke
Heatstroke
Hypothalamic temperature regulation lost; uncompensated hyperthermia.
Cell death; damage to brain; liver , kidneys