Lesson 7- Thermoregulation

Question 1

What areas should we monitor in patients with elevated body temperatures?

Answer 1

Body temp; I and O; nutrition; seizure activity; possible sources of infection (IV, Foley, Sx Site, etc.)

Question 2

What is normal body temp range?

Answer 2

37 C, 98.6-100.4 F

Question 3

What is hypothermia temp range?

Answer 3

< 36 C, < 96.8 F

Question 4

What is hyperthermia temp range?

Answer 4

38-41 C, 100.4-100.6F

Question 5

When are temps the lowest?

Answer 5

Early morning, 4-6 am

Question 6

When are temp the highest?

Answer 6

Early evening, 6-8 pm

Question 7

What is the primary source of heat production?

Answer 7

Metabolism

Question 8

What increases metabolism?

Answer 8

Hormones, muscle movements, and exercise

Question 9

What is released when additional heat is required?

Answer 9

Epinephrine and norepinephrine which alters metabolism

Question 10

What else can increase heat production?

Answer 10

Thyroid hormone and shivering

Question 11

What happens when heat production increases?

Answer 11

Energy production decreases

Question 12

What are sources of heat loss?

Answer 12

Skin (primary source)

Evaporation of sweat

Warming and humidifying inspired air

Eliminating urine and feces

Question 13

What is radiation?

Answer 13

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

Question 14

What is convection?

Answer 14

Process of heat transfer through the fluid motion of air or water across the skin

Question 15

What is evaporation?

Answer 15

Process of converting water to vapor

Sweating

Question 16

What is conduction?

Answer 16

Process of heat transfer through physical contact of one surface with another

Sitting on something cold

Question 17

What factors can affect body temperature?

Answer 17

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

Question 18

What happens during hypothermia in terms of thermoregulation mechanisms?

Answer 18

Thermoregulation mechanisms are overpowered by unprotected exposure to cold environment

Risk factors:

Alcoholism r/t vasodilation

Malnutrition

Hypothyroidism

Postoperative patients

Newborns

Question 19

What is acute (emergent) hypothermia?

Answer 19

One of person loses heat very rapidly

Ex: falling into cold water

Question 20

What is exhaustion hypothermia?

Answer 20

Happens when a persons body is so tired it can no longer generate heat

Question 21

What is chronic hypothermia?

Answer 21

Heat is lost slowly over time

Common in elderly people who live in poorly heated accommodations or the homeless

Question 22

What is peri operative hypothermia?

Answer 22

Occurs before, during, or after surgery

Question 23

What are signs and symptoms of hypothermia?

Answer 23

Poor coordination

Slurred speech

Poor judgment

Amnesia

Hallucinations

Stupor

Increased respirations, weak and irregular pulse

Lowered B/P

Question 24

How can we treat hypothermia?

Answer 24

Additional clothing/ blankets

Heating pads

Warm oral or IV fluids

Airway rewarmed, humidified O2

blood rewarming

Question 25

What is the acronym COLD?

Answer 25

Cover

Overexertion

Layers

Stay dry