Heat and Temperature Flashcards
What is heat measured in?
Joules
What is heat?
Heat is the measure of energy being transferred. It is the kinetic energy of particles.
What is temperature measured in?
Celsius and Kelvin
What is temperature?
The average amount of kinetic energy an object has.
What is the core body temperature?
36.2^0C to 37.2^0C
Where to measure temperature?
- Axillary (armpit)
- Tympanic (ear)
- Infrared (forehead)
- Oral (mouth)
- Rectal
What is thermoregulation?
- Endocrine system releases hormones to speed up metabolism, causing heat to be released from these chemical reactions
- Shivering (rapid muscle contractions)
- Conversion of fat cells.
How is heat lost?
- Convection - sweating and exhalation
- Radiation - vasodilation
Heat loss in hypothermia patient
Caused by drowning incident or being exposed to low temperatures.
Conduction, convection
Heat loss in theatre
When body cavities are opened, heat escapes. Theatres are often cool to prevent microbial growth.
Convection
Heat loss in pt’s with low body fat
Cannot store enough heat.
Radiation
How to increase body temp with conduction?
Heat is transferred from object to object as they touch. Use warm or heated blankets and skin-to-sin touch to increase body temp.
How to increase body temp with radiation?
Bodies radiate heat into the external environment. Clothing can reduce the amount of heat lost. Use radiant warmers or heat lights in incubators to increase body temp.
How to increase body temp with convection?
Heat is transferred in water or air currents. To increase body temp, warm fluids are administered intravenously or use air heated blankets. You can also lower body temp via air-conditioning.
