Lesson 7- Thermoregulation Flashcards
What areas should we monitor in patients with elevated body temperatures?
Body temp; I and O; nutrition; seizure activity; possible sources of infection (IV, Foley, Sx Site, etc.)
What is normal body temp range?
37 C, 98.6-100.4 F
What is hypothermia temp range?
< 36 C, < 96.8 F
What is hyperthermia temp range?
38-41 C, 100.4-100.6F
When are temps the lowest?
Early morning, 4-6 am
When are temp the highest?
Early evening, 6-8 pm
What is the primary source of heat production?
Metabolism
What increases metabolism?
Hormones, muscle movements, and exercise
What is released when additional heat is required?
Epinephrine and norepinephrine which alters metabolism
What else can increase heat production?
Thyroid hormone and shivering
What happens when heat production increases?
Energy production decreases
What are sources of heat loss?
Skin (primary source)
Evaporation of sweat
Warming and humidifying inspired air
Eliminating urine and feces
What is radiation?
The process of heat transfer with no physical contact
Heat loss by electromagnetic waves
If you go out without a jacket you will lose heat in waves
What is convection?
Process of heat transfer through the fluid motion of air or water across the skin
What is evaporation?
Process of converting water to vapor
Sweating
What is conduction?
Process of heat transfer through physical contact of one surface with another
Sitting on something cold
What factors can affect body temperature?
Circadian rhythms (morning/ afternoon temp change)
Age and gender: elderly lose thermoregulatory control
Physical activity: exertion increases body temp
State of health: illness or fevers
Environmental temperature: very young and very old more sensitive
What happens during hypothermia in terms of thermoregulation mechanisms?
Thermoregulation mechanisms are overpowered by unprotected exposure to cold environment
Risk factors:
Alcoholism r/t vasodilation
Malnutrition
Hypothyroidism
Postoperative patients
Newborns
What is acute (emergent) hypothermia?
One of person loses heat very rapidly
Ex: falling into cold water
What is exhaustion hypothermia?
Happens when a persons body is so tired it can no longer generate heat
What is chronic hypothermia?
Heat is lost slowly over time
Common in elderly people who live in poorly heated accommodations or the homeless
What is peri operative hypothermia?
Occurs before, during, or after surgery
What are signs and symptoms of hypothermia?
Poor coordination
Slurred speech
Poor judgment
Amnesia
Hallucinations
Stupor
Increased respirations, weak and irregular pulse
Lowered B/P
How can we treat hypothermia?
Additional clothing/ blankets
Heating pads
Warm oral or IV fluids
Airway rewarmed, humidified O2
blood rewarming
