Module 03: Vital Signs Assessment Flashcards
What part of the brain is responsible for the neural and vascular control?
Hypothalamus
Where is the hypothalamus located?
Located between the cerebral hemisphere
What does the hypothalamus control?
Body temperature
Which part of the hypothalamus in the neural and vascular control is responsible for heat lost?
Anterior Hypothalamus
Which part of the hypothalamus in the neural and vascular control is responsible for heat production?
Posterior Hypothalamus
This is produced by the body and a by-product of metabolism, which is the chemical reaction in all body cells.
Heat production
What are the different types of heat loss?
(1) Radiation
(2) Conduction
(3) Convection
(4) Evaporation
This is the transfer of heat from the surface of one object to the surface of another without direct contact between the two.
Radiation
This is the transfer of heat from one object to another with direct contact.
Conduction
This is the transfer of heat away by air movement. A fan promotes heat loss through this approach.
Convection
This is the transfer of heat energy when a liquid is changed to a gas. The body continously loses heat by this approach.
Evaporation
This is the visible perspiration primarily occurring on the forehead and upper thorax, although you can see it in other places on the body.
Diaphoresis
What are the factors affecting body temperature?
(1) Exercise
(2) Hormone Level
(3) Circadian Rhythm
(4) Stress
(5) Environment
How does exercise affect the body temperature?
The form of exercise increases metabolism and heat production as well as body temperature.
How does the hormone level affect the body temperature?
Hormonal variations during menstrual cycle make cause body temperature fluctuations.
What is the normal circadian rhythm?
Temperature normally changes 0.5 to 1 degree Celsius (0.9 to 1.8 degrees F)
When is the circadian rhythm low?
Temperature is low between 1:00am and 4;00 am.
How does stress affect body temperature?
Physical and emotional stress increase body temperature through hormonal and neural stimulation.
How does environment affect body temperature?
Environmental temperatures affect infants and older more often because their temperature regulating mechanisms are less efficient.
This is the abnormal rise in body temperature.
Fever or pyrexia
When can the nurse conclude that the patient has fever or pyrexia?
When the patient’s body temperature is above 100.4 degrees F or 38 degrees C.
What is the body temperature of a patient with fever or pyrexia when recorded by a rectal thermometer?
38 degrees C or 100 degrees F
What is the body temperature of a patient with fever or pyrexia when recorded by an oral thermometer?
37.8 degrees C or 100 degrees F
What is the body temperature of a patient with fever or pyrexia when recorded by an axillary thermometer?
37.2 degrees C or 99 degrees F