Thermoregulation

Question 1

Core Temp vs Skin Temp

Answer 1

Core temperature remains realtively constant within 1 degree +/- unless exposed to extremeconditions or febrile

Skin temperature rises and falls with the temperature of the surroundings

Question 2

Celsius to Fahrenheit conversion

Answer 2

Celsius x 9/5 + 32 = Fahrenheit

Question 3

Where is our thermoregulatory center?

Answer 3

Hypothalamus

Question 4

Methods of heat production

Answer 4

Muscle activity (shivering)
Thyroxine
Epi, NE, and other sympathetic stimulus
Metabolism needed for digestion, absorption and storage of foods

Question 5

Two main factors that determine rate of heat loss

Answer 5

How rapidly heat can be conducted from where it is to the skins surface. (shunting)

How rapidly heat can be transferred from the skin to the surroundings

Question 6

Types of heat loss

Answer 6

Radiation
Conduction
Convection
Evaporation

Question 7

Radiation heat loss

Answer 7

Loss of heaet in the form of infrared heat rays

Question 8

Conductive heat loss

Answer 8

Direct loss of heat via kinetics, or the energy of molecular motion. Transfer of heat through physical contact

Question 9

Convective heat loss

Answer 9

The rmoval of heat from the body by air currents

Question 10

Evaporative heat loss

Answer 10

Loss of heat when water evaporates from body surface

Question 11

Primary organ systems responsible for heat loss

Answer 11

Skin

Cardiovascular

Respiratory

Question 12

Hyperthermia

Answer 12

A state of unusually high core body temperature

Question 13

Hyperthermia factors

Answer 13

Age of the patient
Health of the patient
Medications
Level of acclimation
Length of exposure
Intensity of exposure
Environmental factors

Question 14

Heat cramps

Answer 14

Painful, easily treated once acclimation occurs

Usually occurs by replacement of water without adequate salt resulting in low sodium state in the muscles

Question 15

Heat exhaustion

Answer 15

Salt or water depletion in the face of heat stress

Mild hyperpyrexia, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, can cause altered mental status with dehydration

Can lead to heatstroke

Tx: slow cooling measures and IV normal saline with electrolyte replacement

Question 16

Types of heatstroke

Answer 16

Exertional

Classic

Question 17

Exertional heat stroke

Answer 17

Over exertion in extreme temperatures

Generally seen in younger, physically fit individuals with normal thermoregulatory systems

Question 18

Classical Heat stroke

Answer 18

Over exterion in extreme temperatures

Generally seen in older or debilitated exposed passively to significant termal stress over hours or days

Question 19

Tx of Heat stroke

Answer 19

ABC’s

Cooling measures to lower core temperature

NPO

IV NS, O2

can give valium if seizures occur

Question 20

Malignant Hyperthermia

Answer 20

A rare life-threatening condition that is usually triggered by exposure to certain drugs used for general anesthesia.

Question 21

S/S of Malignant Hyperthermia

Answer 21

Muscle rigidity (rigidity of the masseter is a early sign), increased CO2 production, rhabdomyolysis, significant increase in temperature

Question 22

Malignant hyperthermia prevention

Answer 22

look for any Hx of malignant hyperthermia

CO2 monitoring

Recognition of masseter rigidity

Question 23

Temperatures in infants

Answer 23

Infants and young children generally have a higher body temperature compared to adults

Question 24

Children <2 with fever

Answer 24

Have a immature immune system so they may seem normal but their health can decline rapidly because of an immature immune system which could spike a dangerous fever.