16 Questions
What are the measures of vital signs often taken by health professionals?
Body temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure
What is the balance between heat produced by the body and the heat lost from the body to the external environment called?
Core temperature
What is the normal range of body temperature in Celsius?
36.5–37ºC
What is the term for an elevation above the normal range of body temperature?
Pyrexia
At what temperature does hypothermia occur?
35ºC and below
What is the term for body temperature below the normal range?
Hypothermia
Which site can be used for monitoring temperature but is contraindicated in unconscious patients and those receiving oxygen therapy?
Mouth (orally)
How much lower is the axillary temperature compared to the oral temperature?
0.5°C-0.6°C
What should be done if a patient has ingested hot or cold food or fluid before measuring oral temperature?
Wait 30 minutes before measurement
What is the first step in using a mercury thermometer for measuring temperature?
Collect appropriate equipment and wash your hands
Why is the rectal temperature usually higher than the oral temperature?
0.5°C-1.0°C
What is the main advantage of using the oral site for temperature measurement?
Accessibility and convenience
What action should be taken before using a mercury thermometer if it has been soaking in a disinfectant?
Rinse it in cold water
What should be done after inserting the tympanic thermometer into the ear canal?
Press the activation button and hold it for 1 second
What should be avoided when using a mercury thermometer to measure temperature?
Using hot water to rinse it
How should the patient's head be stabilized when using a tympanic thermometer?
Gently pull the ear straight back (for children up to age 1)
Study Notes
Vital Signs Measurement
- Health professionals often measure vital signs, including body temperature, as part of patient assessment.
Body Temperature Regulation
- The balance between heat produced by the body and heat lost to the external environment is called thermoregulation.
Normal Body Temperature
- The normal range of body temperature is between 36.5°C to 37.5°C.
Temperature-Related Terms
- An elevation above the normal range of body temperature is called hyperthermia.
- Body temperature below the normal range is called hypothermia, which occurs at a temperature below 35°C.
Temperature Measurement Sites
- Temperatures can be measured at various sites, including oral, axillary, rectal, and tympanic (ear canal).
- Axillary temperature is typically 0.5°C to 1°C lower than oral temperature.
- The ear canal (tympanic) site may not be suitable for unconscious patients or those receiving oxygen therapy.
Precautions for Temperature Measurement
- Avoid measuring oral temperature immediately after ingesting hot or cold food or fluid.
- Before using a mercury thermometer, ensure it has been rinsed with cool water after soaking in a disinfectant.
- When using a tympanic thermometer, gently insert it into the ear canal and stabilize the patient's head.
Mercury Thermometer Handling
- Before using a mercury thermometer, shake it down to the minimum level.
- Avoid vigorous shaking, touching the thermometer to any surface, or exposing it to extreme temperatures.
Oral Site Advantages
- The oral site is advantageous for temperature measurement because it is easily accessible and allows for minimal disturbance to the patient.
Test your knowledge of assessing vital signs, including measuring body temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. This quiz covers the fundamental measures of various physiological statistics used to assess basic body functions.
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