Thermoregulation Flashcards
What is thermoregulation?
The process of maintaining the core body temperature at a nearly constant value.
What is the normal body temperature range known as normothermia?
36.2 C to 37.6 C (97.1 to 99.6 F)
What is hyperpyrexia?
Extremely high body temperature above 41.5 C (106.7 F)
Which populations are at the greatest risk for thermoregulation problems?
- Infants
- Babies
- Elders
- Poor persons
- Persons living in very hot or cold climates
Define fever.
Elevation in body temperature due to a change in the hypothetical set point.
What is hyperthermia?
Body temperature above 37.6 C (99.6 F)
List interventions for hyperthermia.
- Remove excess clothing
- Provide external cool packs
- Provide a cooling blanket
- Hydration (oral or IV)
- Give antipyretic drug therapy
What is hypothermia?
Body temperature below 36.2 C (97.1 F)
List interventions for hypothermia.
- Remove person from cold
- Provide external warming measures
- Provide internal warming measures
What happens to blood vessels when temperature increases?
Blood vessels dilate, skin is flushed, and sweat glands are activated.
What happens to blood vessels when temperature decreases?
Blood vessels constrict, trapping heat in deeper tissues, sweat glands are nonactive, and skeletal muscles contract leading to shivering.
List the four methods of heat loss.
- Radiation
- Conduction
- Convection
- Evaporation
What is diaphoresis?
Visible perspiration primarily occurring on the forehead and upper thorax.
Name two medications used for pyrexia/fever.
- Acetaminophen
- Ibuprofen
What are heat cramps?
Severe cramps in large muscle groups fatigued by heavy work, often due to inadequate fluid intake.
What are the interventions for heat exhaustion?
- Correlate fluid replacement to clinical and lab findings
- Provide moist sheet to decrease core temperature by evaporation
What are the assessment findings for heat stroke?
- Core temp rises above 105.8 F (41 C)
- Altered mental status
- Hypotension
- Tachycardia
- Hot, dry skin
- Circulatory collapse
What is the most effective treatment for heat stroke?
Cold water immersion.
Define frostbite.
Localized tissue freezing leads to ice crystals in tissues and cells.
What is superficial frostbite?
Involves the skin and subcutaneous tissue, affecting areas like ears, nose, fingers, and toes.
What is the core temperature for mild hypothermia?
93 to 95 F (33.9 to 35 C)
List the symptoms of moderate hypothermia.
- Rigidity
- Bradycardia
- Bradypnea
- BP only obtainable by Doppler
What is severe hypothermia?
Core temperature less than 86 F (30 C); life-threatening condition.
What are the risks associated with rewarming a hypothermic patient?
- After drop
- Shock
What medications are used for hypothermia?
- 0.9% NaCl (normal saline)
- Lactated Ringers (LR)
