Vital Signs

Question 1

Thermoregulation definition:

Answer 1

maintenance or regulation of core temperature in a living body within certain boundaries

Question 2

Temperature controlled in the brain by ________.

Answer 2

Hypothalamus

Question 3

Heat production causes:

Answer 3

Metabolic activity; muscle activity (exercise, shivering); thyroxine and epinephrine (stimulating effects on metabolic rate)

Question 4

Heat loss causes:

Answer 4

Radiation, Convection, Evaporation, Conduction

Question 5

Most of the body’s heat losses occurs _______.

Answer 5

At the skin surface

Question 6

Factors affecting body temperature?

Answer 6

1. Age and sex
2. Circadian rhythms
3. Physical activity
4. Environment
5. Oral intake

Question 7

Radiation is the loss of body heat when a client is _________.

Answer 7

In close proximity to a cooler surface.

Question 8

A nurse is preparing an in-service about factors affecting RR for a group of APs. Which of the following information should the nurse include?
A. Anxiety can decrease a clients RR
B. Opioid analgesics can increase a clients RR
C. Pain can decrease a clients RR
D. Fever can increase a clients RR

Answer 8

D. Fever can increase a clients RR

Question 9

Definition of a afebrile?

Answer 9

Normal temperature- no fever

Question 10

Pyrexia?

Answer 10

Definition of fever

Question 11

Do older adults have higher or lower baseline body temperature?

Answer 11

Lower; 96.4-98.5 F

Question 12

Hyperthermia differs from fever how?

Answer 12

The hypothalamic set point is not changed. In situations of extreme heat exposure or excessive heat production, the mechanisms that control body temperature are ineffective.

Question 13

Fever is distinguished from hyperthermia how?

Answer 13

An increase in your body’s set point temperature

Question 14

Physical effects of fever?

Answer 14

Increased pulse rate, increased respiration, loss of appetite, thirst, muscle aches, and fatigue

Question 15

Physical effects of fever in older adults

Answer 15

Confusion and delirium

Question 16

Treatment of fever with medication:

Answer 16

Antipyretic (fever-reducing) drugs- aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen

Question 17

Treatment of fever with modification:

Answer 17

Cool sponge baths, cool packs, and cooling blankets

Question 18

Treatment of fever with diet:

Answer 18

Oral fluids (increased to maintain cellular and intravascular status and prevention) and simple carbohydrates (to prevent tissue breakdown from hyper-metabolic rate)