module 5: thermoregulation, family, prioritization Flashcards
1
Q
What is thermoregulation?
A
Balances heat production and heat loss
Core temperature averages around 37°C (98.6°F), which is more stable than surface temperature.
2
Q
What is the normal range for core temperature?
A
36-38.5°C (96.8-101.3°F)
This range is known as normothermia.
3
Q
What is hyperthermia?
A
Heat production > heat loss
4
Q
What is hypothermia?
A
Heat loss > heat production
5
Q
What mechanisms contribute to heat loss?
A
- Radiation
- Conduction
- Convection
- Evaporation
6
Q
What are the causes of hyperthermia?
A
- Excess heat exposure
- Failed thermoregulation
7
Q
What are the stages of hypothermia?
A
- Mild: 32-35°C (89.6-95°F)
- Moderate: 28-32°C (82.4-89.6°F)
- Severe: <28°C (82.4°F)
8
Q
What are the symptoms of heat exhaustion?
A
38.3-38.9°C (101-102°F) due to fluid and salt loss
9
Q
What is the definition of fever?
A
Controlled rise in body temperature due to infection
10
Q
What is the fever threshold?
A
> 101.3°F
11
Q
What physiological effects occur during a fever?
A
- Increased heart and respiratory rates
- Increased oxygen demands (by 7% per 1°C rise)
12
Q
What are common causes of fever?
A
- Infections (bacterial, viral)
- Tissue breakdown (MI, surgery, trauma, malignancy)
13
Q
What is the primary risk factor for severe infections leading to fever?
A
Impaired or diminished immune response
14
Q
What is malignant hyperthermia?
A
Inherited disorder triggered by volatile anesthetics and succinylcholine
15
Q
What is dantrolene used for?
A
Lifesaving treatment for malignant hyperthermia
16
Q
What are the characteristics of frostbite?
A
- Freezing of skin and subcutaneous tissue
- Tissue freezes at –5°C (23°F)
17
Q
What are the clinical stages of accidental hypothermia?
A
- Stage I: Conscious, shivering
- Stage II: Impaired consciousness, no shivering
- Stage III: Unconscious, vital signs present
- Stage IV: No vital signs, resuscitation possible
- Stage V: Death due to irreversible hypothermia
18
Q
What are the symptoms of mild hypothermia?
A
- Shivering
- Fatigue
- Slurred speech
19
Q
What interventions are appropriate for managing severe hypothermia?
A
- Provide a warm environment
- Administer warm IV fluids
- Monitor cardiac, renal, and neurological function
20
Q
What is the importance of community education on thermoregulation?
A
To address environmental safety for vulnerable groups
21
Q
What are the signs of frostbite?
A
- Numbness
- Redness
- White or cyanotic skin
- Blisters
22
Q
What is the purpose of induced hypothermia?
A
To reduce metabolic rate and oxygen demand, especially in the brain
23
Q
What is the recommended temperature range for infants to maintain neutral thermal environment?
A
Warm environments with appropriate clothing
24
Q
What are the warning signs of fever in infants?
A
- Lethargy
- Poor feeding
- No tears
- No urination
- Seizures
25
What is the significance of monitoring temperature trends?
Helps detect issues early and prevents escalation
26
What are the general symptoms of hyperthermia?
* Elevated body temperature
* Flushed warm skin
* Tachycardia
* Tachypnea
27
What should be avoided in children with fever?
Aspirin due to Reye syndrome risk
28
What are the types of fever?
* Intermittent: alternates with normal temperatures
* Remittent: wide fluctuations, always above normal
* Relapsing: febrile episodes with short normal periods
* Constant: stays elevated with little variation
29
What is the role of the hypothalamus in thermoregulation?
Acts as the body's thermostat
30
What factors influence body temperature?
* Time of day
* Metabolic rate
* Environmental conditions
31
What is the risk of brain damage related to fever?
Occurs at temperatures >41°C (105.8°F)
32
What is the relationship between age and thermoregulation?
Infants and older adults have reduced thermoregulation capabilities
33
What is the progression of rowsiness?
Rowsiness progressing to coma
## Footnote
Indicates a serious change in level of consciousness that requires monitoring.
34
What should be monitored in cases of rowsiness?
Monitor neurologic function
## Footnote
Essential to assess changes in consciousness.
35
What environment measures should be taken for patients with rowsiness?
Ensure safe environment
## Footnote
Prevents injury due to altered consciousness.
36
What is a crucial step in frostbite recovery?
Bedrest, elevation of affected limbs
## Footnote
Helps reduce swelling and improve healing.
37
What pain management strategies are used for frostbite?
Administer pain meds, and anti-inflammatories
## Footnote
Essential for patient comfort and recovery.
38
What therapy can be used for wound care in frostbite recovery?
Use of whirlpool therapy for wound care
## Footnote
Promotes healing and cleanliness of wounds.
39
What may be required for severe frostbite cases?
Surgical consult may be needed for amputation
## Footnote
Indicates the seriousness of tissue damage.
40
What are some invasive rewarming techniques for severe hypothermia?
Hemodialysis, Peritoneal dialysis, Colonic irrigation
## Footnote
Used when standard rewarming methods are insufficient.
41
What diagnostic tests are important for hypothermia care?
CBC, Electrolytes and renal panel, Glucose, ABG, Cardiac enzymes and ECG, Coagulation studies, Creatine kinase
## Footnote
Helps assess infection, metabolic status, and organ function.
42
What is a common arrhythmia associated with hypothermia?
Bradycardia
## Footnote
Slowed heart rate is a typical response in hypothermic patients.
43
What is a key guideline to follow for hypothermia-related arrhythmias?
Follow AHA guidelines for hypothermia-related arrhythmias
## Footnote
Ensures appropriate response to cardiac issues.
44
How much faster do newborns lose heat compared to adults?
4x more than adults
## Footnote
Highlights the vulnerability of newborns to cold stress.
45
What are the risk factors for hypothermia in infants?
Large body surface to mass ratio, Minimal subcutaneous fat, Immature thermoregulatory system
## Footnote
These factors contribute to increased heat loss.
46
What are effective methods to prevent heat loss in newborns?
Warm environment, Drying, swaddling, skin to skin contact
## Footnote
Essential for maintaining body temperature.
47
What are the characteristics of a nuclear family?
Traditional structure with two married parents and their biological children
## Footnote
Represents the most common family structure.
48
What defines a binuclear family?
Divorced biological parents who co-parent jointly
## Footnote
Reflects changing family dynamics post-divorce.
49
What are the stages of Duvall’s family life cycle?
Beginning family, Childbearing family, Families with preschool age children, Families with school age children, Families with teenagers, Families launching young adults, Middle-aged parents, Family in retirement and old age
## Footnote
Outlines the progression of family development.
50
What is family cohesion?
Refers to emotional bonding, existing on a continuum from disengaged to enmeshed
## Footnote
Influences family dynamics and emotional health.
51
What are some positive coping strategies in families?
Exercise, Reading
## Footnote
Enhances resilience and family functioning.
52
What are some negative coping strategies in families?
Substance use
## Footnote
Can lead to long-term family dysfunction and health issues.
53
What does the family ecomap represent?
Visual tool to represent family interactions with various domains
## Footnote
Highlights communication patterns and community resource needs.
54
What is the purpose of the family genogram?
Visual representation of family relationships and patterns of chronic conditions across generations
## Footnote
Useful for understanding family health history.
55
What does the family apgar assess?
Family functioning or dysfunction
## Footnote
Measures adaptation, partnership, growth, affection, and resolve.
56
What is the role of nurses in family-centered care?
View patient within their family context
## Footnote
Essential for culturally competent care and support.
57
What are common challenges faced by families with children?
Financial strain, Lack of sleep, Changes in relationships
## Footnote
Reflects the stressors associated with parenting.
58
What is the impact of parenting styles on children?
Influences child autonomy, behavior, and long-term well-being
## Footnote
Different styles yield different developmental outcomes.
59
What is the significance of family acceptance for LGBTQ youth?
Crucial to prevent outcomes like homelessness and violence
## Footnote
Acceptance from family can mitigate mental health issues.
60
What are protective factors for family stability?
Stable living environment, Healthy and consistent parenting, Social and community support, Financial stability
## Footnote
Enhances resilience against stressors.
61
What is the importance of observation in family assessment?
Allows understanding of family interactions, health status, strengths, and needs
## Footnote
Essential for effective care planning.
62
What does the FFAM assess?
Family structure, strengths, weaknesses, and environmental influences
## Footnote
Comprehensive tool for understanding family dynamics.
63
What is the role of interprofessional teams in family-centered care?
Collaborative care recognizes and supports the interdependence of family members
## Footnote
Essential for addressing complex family issues.
64
What is the primary goal of providing education in family-centered care?
To ensure families understand health-related information and make informed decisions
## Footnote
This includes understanding treatment plans, side effects, and necessary follow-up care.
65
Why is collaboration important in family-centered care?
Families are inherently interconnected, and the well-being of one member can affect the entire unit.
66
Who may benefit from the expertise of social workers, counselors, or mental health specialists in family-centered care?
Families facing complex issues.
67
What role do nurses play in coordinating care for families?
Nurses coordinate services and ensure families receive appropriate care.
68
Fill in the blank: A family experiencing mental health struggles may need _______.
[counseling services]
69
What are some specific family needs that may be addressed through collaboration?
* Parenting support
* Economic challenges
* School care
* Disabilities
* Serious mental illness
70
What is one example of planning for future care in family-centered nursing?
Exploring options for adult care facilities and long-term support services.
71
How does illness impact the family system?
It disrupts normal functioning and requires a redistribution of roles and responsibilities.
72
What are essential elements for families to adapt to changes brought on by illness?
* Clear communication
* Timely adjustments
* Effective stress management
73
What role do nurses play in relation to patient privacy?
Nurses provide education and guidance while respecting the patient’s privacy and obtaining consent.
74
What is the significance of assessing family needs in nursing?
To tailor communication, support, and healthcare navigation strategies.
75
Fill in the blank: Chronic illness is highly _______ in the US.
[preventable]
76
What factors influence family response to chronic illness?
* Finances
* Caregiving responsibilities
* Job status
* Illness severity
* Perception of caregiving roles
77
What can contribute to caregiver burnout in families caring for a loved one with serious mental illness?
Intense emotional and financial stress, caregiver role strain, and family dysfunction.
78
What are the two components of caregiving burden?
* Objective: measurable factors like financial cost
* Subjective: perceived emotional strain
79
True or False: Stigma and social isolation are uncommon in families dealing with serious mental illness.
False
80
How can healthy coping strategies affect caregiver burden?
They reduce caregiver burden and support patient recovery.
81
What is critical in pediatric care regarding family involvement?
Family collaboration is essential, as caregivers provide vital insight into the child’s health.
82
Fill in the blank: The 'sandwich generation' refers to adults caring for both their _______ and _______.
[children], [aging parents]
83
What is a key concern for the sandwich generation?
Financial stress when deciding between in-home elder care and institutional options.
84
What should be prioritized during end-of-life care planning?
Sensitivity, open communication, and appropriate resources.
85
What can early discussions about illness help families with?
Anticipate and prepare for future needs.
86
What are some signs that a family is struggling with managing illness?
* High stress
* Conflict
* Disengagement
87
What is the definition of prioritizing care in nursing?
A critical thinking skill that helps determine the order in which patient needs should be addressed.
88
What are the three categories for ranking nursing priorities?
* Must do (priority 1)
* Should do (priority 2)
* Nice to do (priority 3)
89
What is triage in nursing?
A process used to prioritize patient care based on urgency and severity.
90
What are the three main triage categories?
* Emergent (immediate)
* Urgent (delayed)
* Nonurgent (minor)
91
What is an essential factor in setting priorities for patient care?
Time constraints and urgency.
92
What should nurses avoid when prioritizing tasks?
Prioritizing based on ease.
93
What is an important practice for nurses when prioritizing care?
Always assess before prioritizing.
