Temperature Flashcards
What is body temperature?
it represents the balance between heat production and heat loss
Normal range of body temperature is…?
36 to 37.5 degrees Celsius
Where is the body temperature regulated?
it is regulated by the thermoregulatory centre of the hypothalamus in the brain
What is pyrexia?
it is a RISE in the body temperature above the normal range for the patient
What are the grade of pyrexia?
low grade = normal to 38, moderate/high grade = 38 to 40, hyper-pyrexia = >40
What are the FOUR sites commonly used to measure temperature?
oral, rectal, axillary and tympanic
Define hypothermia
lowered body temperature which causes the metabolic rate to decrease
Why is it preferable to use the same site for temperature recording?
as temperature between different sites can vary significantly
How long should you wait before taking an oral temperature if the patient has a hot/cold food or drink?
20 to 30 minutes
What are the two ways the body responds to an increase in temperature to allow for heat loss?
vasodilation and sweating
