Vital signs - temperature

Question 1

body temperature definition

Answer 1

the balance between heat loss and heat gain

Question 2

what is normal temperature?

Answer 2

36-37.5

Question 3

pyrexia temperature ranges

Answer 3

38 and above

Question 4

hypothermia temperature ranges

Answer 4

35 and below

Question 5

Why obtain a temperature measurement?

Answer 5

baseline assessment, monitor signs of infection, during labour, post caesarean section, observe signs of a negative reaction to blood transfusion, monitor those who are being treated for infection

Question 6

what are the common sites of temperature assessment within midwifery?

Answer 6

oral, axilla, tympanic, skin

Question 7

axilla definition

Answer 7

armpit

Question 8

tympanic definition

Answer 8

ear

Question 9

why can you take temperature at the oral site?

Answer 9

a branch of the carotid artery runs beneath the sublingual pocket. the blood within this vessel is travelling to the hypothalamus

Question 10

what can affect the temperature at the oral site?

Answer 10

cold/hot drinks, tachypnoea

Question 11

tachypnoea definition

Answer 11

breathing really fast and heavily

Question 12

why can you take temperature at the tympanic site?

Answer 12

tympanic membrane shares the same blood supply as the hypothalamus

Question 13

what can affect the temperature at the tympanic site

Answer 13

presence of moisture (e.g. amniotic fluid), excessive ear wax, recent ear surgery, presence of hearing aid recently

Question 14

describe the procedure of taking temperature at the tympanic site?

Answer 14

use disposal covers, insert probe into auditory canal by pulling the pinna up and back; so the auditory canal is straight exposing the tympanic membrane.

Question 15

Factors affecting temperature

Answer 15

fever, digestion, hot baths, ovulation(high temperature)

Question 16

what are the temperature changes due to childbearing?

Answer 16

labour(e.g. infection, dehydration), postnatal period(e.g. UTI (urinary tract infection), mastitis (breast infection))

Question 17

first step of taking temperature

Answer 17

1. gain informed consent

Question 18

second step

Answer 18

2. wash hands

Question 19

third step

Answer 19

3. take the equipment and disposable cover to the person

Question 20

fourth step

Answer 20

4. ensure you have evaluated the chosen sit and equipment

Question 21

fifth step

Answer 21

5. apply a disposable cover

Question 22

sixth step

Answer 22

6. take the temperature

Question 23

seventh step

Answer 23

7. dispose of cover

Question 24

eighth step

Answer 24

8. explain findings

Question 25

last step

Answer 25

9. wash hands document, document