temperature Flashcards
what are type of measurements
temperature
pulse
blood pressure
respiratory rate
oxygen saturation
pain rating
when do you measure vital signs
on admission
per physician order
any change in patients condition
before and after any major procedure
during blood transfusion
after medications or interventions that affect vital signs
what is an acceptable temperature in a healthy adult
96.8-100.4
what are sites you can take temperatures
oral
rectal
axillary
tympanic
membrane
temporal
artery
esophageal
pulmonary artery
urinary bladder
what are factors that affect temperature
age
hormone level
environment
exercise
circadian rythm
temperature alteration
temperature regulation
neural and vascular control
heat production
heat loss
skin
what gland controls neural and vascular temperature regulation?
anterior and posterior hypothalamus
what produces heat and what part of the gland is responsible for heat production?
Basal metabolic rate
shivering
posterior hypothalamus
what losses heat and what part of the gland is responsible for heat loss?
radiation
conduction
convection
evaporation
diaphoresis
anterior hypothalamus
radiation
transfer of heat from surface of one object to surface of another without direct contact between the two
conduction
transfer of heat from one object to another with direct contact
convection
transfer of heat away by air movement
evaporation
transfer of heat energy when a liquid is changed to a gas
diaphoresis
visible perspiration
how is skin involved in temperature regulation
insulation
vasoconstriction
sensation
what can cause alterations in temperature
fever (pyrexia)
hyperthermia
heatstroke
heat exhaustion
hypothermia
what are the characteristics of a fever?
important defense mechanism
causes increase in metabolism and oxygen consumption
increased heart rate and respiratory rate
temp must be taken several times a day
what exactly is hyperthermia?
inability to promote heat loss or reduce production; can lead to heatstroke after a prolonged period of time
why is heatstroke so dangerous?
high mortality rate
body temp of 104 or more
DRY: HOT SKIN
confusion, excess thirst, muscle cramps
vital signs will show a decreased blood pressure and an increased heart rate
there will be no sweating
what characterizes heat loss?
diaphoresis
excess water and electrolyte loss
what is a temp considered hypothermia?
86-96.8
can be accidental or intentional
what may affect oral temperature readings?
temperature is easily influenced by hot or cold foods
approximately one degree lower than core temp
most frequent used method
rectal temperatures placements
adult - 1 1/2 inches
child - 1 inch
infant - 1/2 inch
reading in feces will give inaccurate readings
what is important during axillary temperatures?
the safest
must be left 5-10 minutes
moisture may reduce the temp
characteristics of temporal temperature
most accurate to the core
2-3 seconds
fewer errors than tympanic
middle of the forehead down the side of the face behind the ear
what would you do for a fever?
obtain blood culture if necessary
monitor VS, skin color, temperature, turgor, and lab work
reduce the frequency of activities
maximize heat loss
extra fluids
tepid water bath
oral hygiene
dry bed linens
antipyretic meds as ordered
