Test 3 Flashcards
What is the centre for controlling body temperature?
Hypothalamus
What are the factors that affect body temperature?
Basal Metabolic Rate | Peripheral vasodilation | Lack of sweat glands | Diaphoresis | Fever | External environment
Which factors tend to elevate body temperature?
Exercise | Sex | Circadian Rhythm | Stress | Environment | Fever | Hyperthermia | Heatstroke
Which factors tend to lower body temperature?
Age, newborns | Sex | Environment | Hypothermia | Shock | Frostbite | Infections - septicemia
What is the formula for converting Centigrade to Fahrenheit
F=1.8(C)+32
What is the formula for converting Fahrenheit to Centigrade?
C=(F)-32/1.8
Identify the three (3) types of thermometers that can be used to measure body temperature.
- Tympanic
- Rectal
- Axilla
How would you choose a glass thermometer for oral use versus rectal use?
The rectal thermometers are colour coded and also have a more shallow rounded end.
Identify the 5 sites for taking temperature.
- Tympanic Membrane
- Rectum
- Mouth
- Axilla
- Skin
advantage and disadvantage of tympanic temperature
+The site is easily accessible
-Measurement is more variable with this device than with other core temperature devices
advantage and disadvantage of rectal temperature
+more reliable
-Requires special positioning
advantage and disadvantage of oral temperature
+Measurement at this site is comfortable for clients
-carries risk of exposure to body fluids
advantage and disadvantage of axilla temperature
+Measurement at this site is safe and noninvasive
-Measurement time is long
advantage and disadvantage of skin temperature
+Continuous reading
-Adhesion can be impaired
What variations occur in temperature depending on the site used?
Average oral/tympanic: 37 C
Average rectal: 37.5 C
Average axillary: 36.5 C
What client positions would you use to take a rectal temperature? Why?
- Side laying
- Sims Position
Because of the position of the colon
- Sims Position
What additional safety considerations are needed with taking of a rectal temperature? Identify comfort considerations.
- Lubricant
- Ask client to breathe slowly and relax OR “pant”, relaxation of the anus will minimize any injuries
- Never force thermometer
- Insert Gently
Pyrexia
Fever, occurs because heat-loss mechanisms are unable to keep pace with excess heat production.
Hypothermia
Heat loss during prolonged exposure to cold overwhelms the body’s ability to produce heat, causing hypothermia.
Hyperthermia/hyperpyrexia
body temperature that is elevated as a result of the body’s inability to promote heat loss or reduce heat production.
Febrile
White blood cell production is stimulated. Increased temperature reduces the concentration of iron in the blood plasma, supressing the growth of bacteria Fever also fights viral infections by stimulating production of interferon, the body’s natural virus fighting substance.
Afebrile
The skin becomes warm and flushed because of vasodilation. Diaphoresis assists in evaporative heat loss. When the fever “breaks,” the person becomes afebrile.
Define pulse
Bounding of blood flow that is palpable at various points on the body. Blood flows through the body in a continuous circuit. The pulse is an indicator of circulatory status.
What is the purpose of measuring a pulse?
Indicator of circulatory status
Identify factors that affect pulse rate.
Emotional reasons - Stress - Caffeine - Exercise - Alcohol - Smoking - Medications - Shock - Fever - Valsalva Maneuver - Beta Blockers - Depressants
Which factors tend to elevate pulse rate?
Emotional reasons - Stress - Caffeine - Exercise - Alcohol - Smoking - Certain medications - Shock - Fever
Which factors tend to lower pulse rate?
- Valsalva Maneuver
- Certain medications
- Beta Blockers
- Depressants
State the rationale for assessing emotional and activity level prior to taking a client’s pulse:
- exercise increase pulse rate
* emotions increase pulse rate
State the rationale for assessing colour and warmth if taking pedal pulse
indicators of circulation in the foot
State the rationale for assessing facial pallor and cyanosis
- pale or dusky looking
- blue skin
- indicates oxygen levels
In addition to rate, what other factors are assessed when measuring a pulse?
- Rhythm
- Strength
- Equality
What is pulse deficit? How is it checked?
- the difference between the heart rate and the pulse rate in atrial fibrillation
- difference in heart rate and peripheral pulse
- Checked by one person measures apical pulse with stethoscope; Second person measures pulse at radial site at same time
Tachycardia
abnormally fast heart rate, more than 100 beats per minute in adults
Bradycardia:
is a slow heart rate, less than 60 beats per minute in adults.
Pulse Amplitude
pulse amplitude is the magnitude of a pulse parameter, such as the voltage level, current level - full volume or thready
Pulse Contour
The shape of the arterial pulse
Dysrhythmia:
disturbance of rhythm
What are the centres that control respirations?
The brain stem regulates the involuntary control of respiration
What is the purpose of measuring respirations?
- To measure and determine oxygen saturation
* gives you an idea of respiratory system
What factors are noted when assessing a client’s respirations?
- Respiratory Rate
- Respiratory Depth
- Respiratory Rhythm
Explain the usual difference in respirations between males and females?
females breathe faster - smaller
How does exercise affect respiration?
Increases respiratory rate and depth to meet body’s need for additional O2 and to rid body of CO2