HEAT LOSS

Question 1

CONVECTION

Answer 1

Convection is a heat loss process where heat is transferred through the movement of air or water. When air or water is in motion, it carries heat energy with it. For example, on a hot day, a breeze can help cool us down by carrying away the heat from our skin through convection.

Question 2

SWEATING

Answer 2

Sweating is a heat process where the body secretes sweat to regulate the body temperature. When the body sweats, the moisture on the skin evaporates into the air, taking the heat from the body. It helps lower the body temperature and regulate heat.

Question 3

HEAT LOSS IN PATIENTS

Answer 3

• Patients may be admitted with hypothermia following a drowning incident or being exposed to low temperatures.
• Patients lose heat during surgeries as body cavities are open and exposed allowing body heat to escape, theatres are often cool to reduce microbial growth.
• Patients may have very little body fat, for example, neonates, the elderly or patients with conditions that have affected fat stores or metabolic rates.

Question 4

How do we increase patient core body temperature > Very important slide:

Answer 4

• Conduction of Skin to the skin, an effective way to increase a newborn’s temperature, Heated blankets.
• Radiation: Using heat lights in incubators.
• Convection: Giving warm fluids orally or intravenously, air heated blankets.