Vital Signs Temperature Flashcards
1
Q
What is temperature?
A
This is the balance between heat loss and heat gain
2
Q
What is the temperature control centre?
A
Hypothalamus
3
Q
What is the core temperature?
A
37 degrees Celsius
4
Q
How is heat lost?
A
Convection- Loss to the movement of surrounding air
Conduction - when the body comes into contact with a cold surface
Evaporation - releases heat when sweat evaporates
Radiation- loss of heat by body emitting rays to cold objects in the environment
5
Q
How is heat gained?
A
- metabolic activity
- physical activity
- extreme external environment
6
Q
How are temperature readings gained?
A
- Disposable (tempadots)
- Electronic or tympanic thermometers
7
Q
What factors affect temperature?
A
- Temp is lower at night
- Metabolic activity
- Air or water temperature
- Infection
- General a anaesthetic
- Menstrual cycle
