Hyperthermia Flashcards
1
Q
What is hyperthermia?
A
Elevated core temperature which causes complications within the body
2
Q
Temperature ranges for heat stroke and heat exhaustion?
A
- Heat exhaustion: 37-40 degrees
- Heat stroke: >40-44 degrees
3
Q
Clinical features of heat exhaustion?
A
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Malaise
- Collapse
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
4
Q
Clinical features of heat stroke?
A
- Anihidrosis
- Altered LOC
- Hot dry skin
- Collapse
5
Q
Treatment for heat exhaustion?
A
- Loosen or remove tight clothing
- Cool pt
- Provide supportive care and oral rehydration
6
Q
Treatment for heat stroke?
A
- Remove clothing
- Cool pt - apply ice packs to neck, arm pits and groin
- Treat associated conditions e.g. dehydration, seizures, nausea and vomiting, hypoglycaemia
7
Q
High risk groups for hyperthermia?
A
- > 75yrs of age
- Overweight or obese
- Chronically ill or acute illness e.g. infections with fever
- Drug/alcohol use
- Infants and young children
- Pregnant or breast feeding
