Thermoregulation

Question 1

What is the normal range for core body temperature in adults?

A. 34–36°C
B. 36–38°C
C. 37–39°C
D. 38–40°C

Answer 1

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Core body temperature is typically 36°C to 38°C, allowing optimal physiological processes to occur​​.

Question 2

Which mechanism of heat loss occurs when a patient lies on a cold examination table?

A. Conduction
B. Convection
C. Radiation
D. Evaporation

Answer 2

Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Conduction is heat loss through direct contact between surfaces of differing temperatures​.

Question 3

What type of heat transfer involves air currents carrying heat away from the body?

A. Conduction
B. Radiation
C. Convection
D. Evaporation

Answer 3

Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Convection occurs when heat is transferred through air or liquid movement​.

Question 3

Which type of thermometer is most appropriate for measuring hyperthermia?

A. Axillary thermometer
B. High-range thermometer (81–108°F)
C. Infrared thermometer
D. Basal thermometer

Answer 3

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: High-range thermometers are used to accurately measure elevated temperatures in hyperthermia​.

Question 4

What physiological response conserves body heat in a cold environment?

A. Vasodilation
B. Vasoconstriction
C. Sweating
D. Increased respiration

Answer 4

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Vasoconstriction reduces blood flow to the skin, minimizing heat loss and preserving core body temperature​.

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of shivering in a hypothermic client?

A. Increase oxygen consumption
B. Increase heat production
C. Decrease glycogen usage
D. Stimulate thermogenesis through brown fat

Answer 5

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Shivering is an involuntary muscle activity that generates heat to counteract cold stress​.

Question 6

Which patient is at the greatest risk for thermoregulation imbalances?

A. A 45-year-old marathon runner
B. A 2-week-old infant born preterm
C. A healthy 10-year-old playing outdoors
D. A 35-year-old recovering from surgery

Answer 6

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Preterm infants have underdeveloped thermoregulation mechanisms, making them highly susceptible to temperature imbalances​​.

Question 7

What diagnostic test is most useful in identifying an infection causing fever?

A. Complete blood count (CBC)
B. Electrolyte panel
C. Liver function test
D. CT scan

Answer 7

Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A CBC can reveal an elevated white blood cell count, which helps identify bacterial or viral infections​​.

Question 8

A nurse notes flushed skin and a high metabolic rate in a febrile client. What stage of fever does this describe?

A. Chill phase
B. Plateau phase
C. Flush phase
D. Resolution phase

Answer 8

Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The flush phase occurs when the hypothalamic set point stabilizes, and the body begins to dissipate heat​.

Question 9

Which intervention is contraindicated during the chill phase of a fever?

A. Applying cooling measures
B. Providing warm blankets
C. Administering antipyretics
D. Encouraging oral hydration

Answer 9

Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cooling measures oppose the body’s mechanism to raise the set-point temperature and should not be applied during the chill phase​​.

Question 10

At what core body temperature is hypothermia diagnosed?

A. Below 36°C
B. Below 35°C
C. Below 34°C
D. Below 33°C

Answer 10

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hypothermia is defined as a core temperature below 35°C​.

Question 11

Which symptom is consistent with moderate hypothermia (30–34°C)?

A. Intact shivering
B. Absence of shivering
C. Hyperreflexia
D. Normal respiratory rate

Answer 11

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Shivering stops during moderate hypothermia due to the failure of thermoregulatory mechanisms​.

Question 12

A nurse is assessing a newborn for signs of cold stress. Which finding is concerning?

A. Increased respiratory rate
B. Peripheral vasodilation
C. Decreased muscle tone
D. Shivering

Answer 12

Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Increased respiratory rate may indicate cold stress as the newborn compensates for heat loss​.

Question 13

Which nursing intervention is priority for a patient with severe hypothermia?

A. Administer warm oral fluids
B. Apply warm blankets
C. Begin active rewarming with heated oxygen
D. Start cardiac resuscitation

Answer 13

Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Active rewarming methods such as heated, humidified oxygen are required for severe hypothermia​.

Question 14

What temperature range causes frostbite in exposed skin?

A. Below 0°C
B. 10–15°C
C. 21–24°C
D. 5–10°C

Answer 14

Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Frostbite occurs when skin temperature drops below freezing, leading to tissue damage​.

Question 15

What is the first step in treating frostbite in the emergency room?

A. Massage the affected areas
B. Immerse in warm water (37–40°C)
C. Apply direct heat
D. Administer analgesics

Answer 15

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Gradual rewarming with warm water is the first-line treatment for frostbite​.

Question 16

Which frostbite complication is most concerning?

A. Blister formation
B. Necrosis
C. Swelling
D. Mild pain

Answer 16

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Necrosis indicates severe tissue damage and may require surgical intervention​.

Question 17

What clinical feature distinguishes heatstroke from heat exhaustion?

A. Profuse sweating
B. Anhidrosis
C. Tachycardia
D. Low-grade fever

Answer 17

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Anhidrosis (absence of sweating) is a hallmark sign of heatstroke, differentiating it from heat exhaustion​.

Question 18

What is the primary intervention for malignant hyperthermia during surgery?

A. Discontinue triggering anesthetics
B. Apply cooling measures
C. Administer dantrolene sodium
D. Begin CPR

Answer 18

Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Discontinuing the anesthetic agent is the first step in managing malignant hyperthermia​.

Question 19

Which nursing action is a priority for febrile seizures in children?

A. Restrict fluids
B. Protect the child from injury during the seizure
C. Administer antibiotics immediately
D. Apply a cooling blanket

Answer 19

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Protecting the child from injury is the immediate priority during a seizure​.

Question 20

Hypothermia is defined as a core body temperature below which value?

A. 36°C
B. 35°C
C. 34°C
D. 33°C

Answer 20

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hypothermia occurs when the core temperature falls below 35°C​

Question 21

Which symptom is associated with mild hypothermia (34–36°C)?

A. Absence of shivering
B. Slurred speech
C. Loss of consciousness
D. Bradycardia

Answer 21

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mild hypothermia presents with shivering, fatigue, slurred speech, and poor coordination​.

Question 22

What intervention is appropriate for a patient with moderate hypothermia (30–34°C)?

A. Passive rewarming using blankets
B. Immersion in hot water
C. Active external and internal rewarming
D. Administration of cold IV fluids

Answer 22

Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Moderate hypothermia requires active rewarming with methods like warm IV fluids and heated oxygen​.

Question 23

Which of the following is a characteristic of severe hypothermia (<30°C)?

A. Increased metabolic rate
B. Ventricular fibrillation
C. Mild confusion
D. Persistent shivering

Answer 23

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Severe hypothermia can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias like ventricular fibrillation​.

Question 24

What is the priority intervention for a newborn with cold stress?

A. Swaddling and applying a hat
B. Giving warm oral fluids
C. Immersing in warm water
D. Rubbing the baby’s extremities

Answer 24

Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Swaddling and covering the newborn’s head help conserve body heat. Newborns lose heat quickly due to their large surface area-to-body mass ratio​.

Question 25

Which diagnostic test is most useful for assessing hypothermia complications?

A. Complete blood count (CBC)
B. Serum electrolyte levels
C. Chest X-ray
D. Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Answer 25

Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hypothermia can lead to arrhythmias, so ECG monitoring is critical for detecting cardiac complications​.

Question 26

A client with severe hypothermia (<30°C) becomes hypotensive during rewarming. What is the likely cause?

A. Hyperkalemia
B. Peripheral vasodilation
C. Fluid overload
D. Metabolic acidosis

Answer 26

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rapid peripheral vasodilation during rewarming can lead to rewarming shock and hypotension​.

Question 27

What is a key goal when caring for a hypothermic client?

A. Maintain shivering throughout rewarming.
B. Increase core temperature by 1–2°C per hour.
C. Prevent cardiac arrhythmias with rapid rewarming.
D. Administer potassium supplements to prevent hypokalemia.

Answer 27

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rewarming should be done gradually to avoid complications like arrhythmias and rewarming shock​.

Question 28

Which client is most at risk for developing accidental hypothermia?

A. A healthy adult who exercises in cold weather
B. An elderly client living alone without adequate heating
C. A child playing outdoors for 20 minutes
D. A client undergoing surgery in a warm operating room

Answer 28

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Elderly individuals are at higher risk due to decreased thermoregulatory control and potential lack of resources for heating​.

Question 29

What is a critical nursing intervention during rewarming of a hypothermic patient?

A. Administer potassium supplements.
B. Monitor for rewarming shock.
C. Increase temperature by 5°C per hour.
D. Use alcohol-based warming methods.

Answer 29

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rewarming shock is a major complication during hypothermia treatment and must be carefully monitored​.

Question 30

Which body mechanism is most responsible for heat loss in a cold environment?

A. Radiation
B. Conduction
C. Convection
D. Evaporation

Answer 30

Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Radiation is the primary mechanism of heat loss, especially in cold environments

Question 31

Why is potassium administration typically stopped during rewarming?

A. Rewarming shifts potassium back into cells, increasing the risk of hyperkalemia.
B. Rewarming decreases cellular demand for potassium.
C. Potassium promotes vasodilation, increasing heat loss.
D. Rewarming increases potassium excretion, leading to hypokalemia.

Answer 31

Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rewarming causes a potassium shift back into cells, increasing serum potassium levels and the risk of hyperkalemia​.

Question 32

A nurse is assessing a newborn with suspected cold stress. Which finding requires immediate attention?

A. Peripheral cyanosis
B. Increased respiratory rate
C. Lethargy
D. Body temperature of 36.5°C

Answer 32

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Increased respiratory rate is an early sign of cold stress and may indicate the need for interventions to prevent hypothermia​.

Question 33

What nursing intervention is appropriate for hypothermia in a preterm newborn?

A. Placing the newborn in a radiant warmer
B. Offering warm formula
C. Applying warm water bottles directly to the skin
D. Monitoring blood pressure every 15 minutes

Answer 33

Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Placing a preterm newborn in a radiant warmer prevents further heat loss and provides a controlled environment for rewarming​

Question 34

Which sign indicates successful rewarming in a hypothermic client?

A. Shivering resumes.
B. Core temperature stabilizes at 36.5°C.
C. The client develops hyperkalemia.
D. Cyanotic extremities become flushed.

Answer 34

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Stabilization of core body temperature at normal levels indicates effective rewarming​.

Question 35

What temperature range causes frostbite?

A. Below 0°C
B. 5–10°C
C. 15–20°C
D. 21–24°C

Answer 35

Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Frostbite occurs when tissue temperatures drop below freezing, leading to cellular and vascular injury

Question 36

Which body areas are most vulnerable to frostbite?

A. Abdomen and back
B. Fingers, toes, nose, and ears
C. Chest and thighs
D. Neck and shoulders

Answer 36

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Frostbite most commonly affects exposed or peripheral areas like fingers, toes, nose, and ears due to reduced blood flow in cold conditions​.

Question 37

What is the initial intervention for a client with superficial frostbite?

A. Apply warm blankets.
B. Immerse the affected area in warm circulating water.
C. Rub the frostbitten area gently.
D. Apply direct heat using a heating pad.

Answer 37

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Immersion in warm circulating water (37–40°C) is the preferred method for rewarming frostbitten tissue. Rubbing or direct heat can worsen tissue damage​.

Question 38

What symptom differentiates superficial frostbite from deep frostbite?

A. Pain upon rewarming
B. Numbness in the affected area
C. Formation of clear blisters
D. Tissue necrosis

Answer 38

Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Deep frostbite involves tissue necrosis and potential gangrene, whereas superficial frostbite typically resolves without permanent damage​.

Question 39

Which complication is most concerning in frostbite?

A. Erythema
B. Formation of blisters
C. Necrosis of tissue
D. Mild edema

Answer 39

Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Necrosis is the most severe complication of frostbite, potentially requiring amputation or surgical intervention​.

Question 40

What is the priority nursing action after rewarming frostbitten tissue?

A. Apply sterile dressings to the affected area.
B. Massage the area to improve circulation.
C. Elevate the extremity to reduce swelling.
D. Administer prophylactic antibiotics.

Answer 40

Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Applying sterile dressings prevents infection and protects the delicate tissue after rewarming

Question 41

Why is rapid rewarming recommended for frostbite?

A. To prevent blisters from forming.
B. To improve nerve function.
C. To minimize further tissue damage.
D. To avoid vasodilation.

Answer 41

Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rapid rewarming minimizes the progression of tissue damage caused by prolonged exposure to cold​.

Question 42

A hiker with frostbite has clear blisters on their hands. How should the nurse manage these blisters?

A. Drain and debride the blisters immediately.
B. Leave the blisters intact and cover with a sterile dressing.
C. Apply ice packs to reduce inflammation.
D. Soak the hands in ice water to reduce swelling.

Answer 42

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Clear blisters should not be opened as they protect underlying tissues from infection. They should be covered with sterile dressings​.

Question 43

What patient education should be provided to prevent frostbite?

A. “Wear lightweight clothing during cold weather.”
B. “Limit the use of gloves to allow your hands to breathe.”
C. “Cover all exposed areas with insulated clothing and avoid prolonged exposure.”
D. “Drink alcohol to help your body stay warm in the cold.”

Answer 43

Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Insulated clothing and limiting cold exposure are essential for frostbite prevention. Alcohol use in cold weather can worsen heat loss

Question 44

Which medication might be prescribed to manage frostbite pain during rewarming?

A. Acetaminophen
B. Morphine
C. Ibuprofen
D. Aspirin

Answer 44

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Morphine is often used to manage severe pain associated with rewarming frostbitten tissues​.

Question 45

Question 31:
What is the core temperature threshold for diagnosing heatstroke?

A. >38°C
B. >39°C
C. >40°C
D. >41°C

Answer 45

Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Heatstroke is defined as a core temperature exceeding 40°C, accompanied by central nervous system dysfunction​.

Question 46

What clinical feature distinguishes heatstroke from heat exhaustion?

A. Profuse sweating
B. Anhidrosis
C. Hypotension
D. Tachycardia

Answer 46

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Anhidrosis (absence of sweating) is a hallmark of heatstroke due to thermoregulatory failure, while sweating persists in heat exhaustion​.

Question 47

What is the primary intervention for a client with heatstroke?

A. Administer acetaminophen.
B. Provide oral fluids.
C. Initiate rapid cooling measures.
D. Apply heated blankets.

Answer 47

Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rapid cooling methods, such as ice packs or cooling blankets, are crucial to manage heatstroke and prevent organ damage​.

Question 48

Which patient is at the highest risk for developing heatstroke?

A. A healthy teenager running in 75°F weather
B. A 70-year-old patient gardening in 95°F weather
C. A child playing outdoors for 15 minutes
D. An athlete training indoors with a fan

Answer 48

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Older adults have decreased thermoregulatory capacity, and prolonged exposure to high temperatures increases their risk for heatstroke​.

Question 49

A client with heatstroke presents with a core temperature of 41°C and confusion. What is the priority nursing intervention?

A. Provide oral fluids.
B. Initiate rapid cooling measures such as ice packs.
C. Administer antipyretics.
D. Monitor for seizure activity.

Answer 49

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rapid cooling is essential to prevent organ damage. Oral fluids are contraindicated due to the risk of aspiration​​.

Question 50

What is the goal of treatment for a client with heatstroke?

A. Reduce core body temperature to 38°C within 1 hour.
B. Initiate antipyretic therapy to control fever.
C. Maintain a core body temperature above 40°C.
D. Provide sedatives to suppress CNS activity.

Answer 50

Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The primary goal in heatstroke management is to reduce core body temperature to 38°C or lower as quickly as possible to prevent complications

Question 51

What distinguishes febrile seizures in children?

A. They occur in children under 6 months of age.
B. They are associated with prolonged exposure to heat.
C. They are caused by rapid temperature rises.
D. They require long-term anticonvulsant therapy.

Answer 51

Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Febrile seizures are caused by rapid rises in temperature, typically in children between 6 months and 5 years of age​

Question 52

What type of IV fluids is recommended for rehydration during heatstroke?

A. Dextrose 5% in water
B. Cooled normal saline
C. Hypertonic saline
D. Lactated Ringer’s at room temperature

Answer 52

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cooled normal saline is used for rehydration and to assist in lowering core body temperature​.

Question 53

Which complication is most concerning in untreated heatstroke?

A. Dehydration
B. Rhabdomyolysis
C. Heat exhaustion
D. Fatigue

Answer 53

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rhabdomyolysis, or muscle breakdown, is a serious complication of heatstroke that can lead to kidney failure​​.

Question 54

What is the recommended nursing action for a client experiencing febrile seizures?

A. Administer antipyretics during the seizure.
B. Monitor for airway obstruction and protect from injury.
C. Apply a cooling blanket immediately.
D. Administer IV fluids to stabilize body temperature.

Answer 54

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During febrile seizures, the nurse should prioritize airway protection and prevent injury, avoiding interventions that could harm the patient​.

Question 55

What is the first intervention for malignant hyperthermia during surgery?

A. Administer dantrolene sodium.
B. Apply cooling measures.
C. Discontinue the triggering anesthetic.
D. Provide supplemental oxygen.

Answer 55

Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Discontinuing the triggering agent (e.g., inhalation anesthetics or succinylcholine) is the first step in managing malignant hyperthermia​.

Question 56

What is the pharmacological treatment of choice for malignant hyperthermia?

A. Acetaminophen
B. Dantrolene sodium
C. Ibuprofen
D. Lorazepam

Answer 56

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Dantrolene sodium is the only effective medication for halting the progression of malignant hyperthermia by reducing calcium release in muscle cells​.

Question 57

Which early sign of malignant hyperthermia should the nurse monitor for?

A. Muscle rigidity
B. Bradypnea
C. Hypotension
D. Decreased CO2 production

Answer 57

Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Muscle rigidity, particularly in the jaw, is an early sign of malignant hyperthermia. Increased CO2 production is also a hallmark​.

Question 58

What diagnostic test confirms malignant hyperthermia susceptibility?

A. Complete blood count (CBC)
B. Genetic testing
C. Creatine kinase levels
D. Coagulation studies

Answer 58

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Genetic testing can identify mutations in the RYR1 gene, confirming susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia​.

Question 59

What is the goal temperature during malignant hyperthermia treatment?

A. Reduce body temperature to 35°C
B. Maintain body temperature between 37–38°C
C. Allow hyperthermia to resolve without intervention
D. Reduce core temperature to below 40°C

Answer 59

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The goal is to stabilize the body temperature within the normal range to prevent further complications​.

Question 60

Which intervention helps prevent malignant hyperthermia in susceptible clients?

A. Avoidance of specific anesthetic agents
B. Administration of prophylactic antibiotics
C. Restriction of fluid intake pre-surgery
D. Use of cooling blankets during surgery

Answer 60

Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Susceptible clients should avoid inhalation anesthetics and succinylcholine, as these are known triggers

Question 61

What complication is common in untreated malignant hyperthermia?

A. Hypocalcemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Rhabdomyolysis
D. Hypothermia

Answer 61

Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rhabdomyolysis is a major complication of malignant hyperthermia due to muscle cell breakdown​.

Question 62

Which electrolyte imbalance is associated with malignant hyperthermia?

A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypernatremia

Answer 62

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hyperkalemia occurs as damaged muscle cells release potassium into the bloodstream during malignant hyperthermia​.

Question 63

Which nursing assessment is critical after treatment for malignant hyperthermia?

A. Monitoring for arrhythmias
B. Checking for fluid overload
C. Assessing for hypoglycemia
D. Evaluating pupil response

Answer 63

Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Arrhythmias are a common post-treatment complication due to electrolyte imbalances​.

Question 64

What client education is essential after an episode of malignant hyperthermia?

A. “You should avoid all surgeries in the future.”
B. “Carry a medical alert bracelet indicating susceptibility.”
C. “You must avoid cold environments.”
D. “Do not exercise for at least 6 months.

Answer 64

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Clients with a history of malignant hyperthermia should carry a medical alert bracelet to ensure proper precautions during future surgeries​.