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Questions and Answers
What is the medical term used for an elevated body temperature?
What is the medical term used for an elevated body temperature?
Pyrexia, hyperthermia or fever
What is the medical term for a very high fever?
What is the medical term for a very high fever?
Hyperpyrexia
What are the common signs and symptoms of fever?
What are the common signs and symptoms of fever?
Increased heart and respiratory rate, shivering, complaints of feeling cold, rise in body temperature, warm skin, increased thirst, drowsiness, weakness, convulsions, loss of appetite, sweating, possible dehydration
What are some nursing interventions for clients with fever?
What are some nursing interventions for clients with fever?
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Fever is always caused by infection.
Fever is always caused by infection.
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What condition is characterized by a dangerous heat emergency due to prolonged exposure to the sun or high environmental temperatures, which can depress the hypothalamic function?
What condition is characterized by a dangerous heat emergency due to prolonged exposure to the sun or high environmental temperatures, which can depress the hypothalamic function?
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Which of the following are signs and symptoms of heat stroke? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following are signs and symptoms of heat stroke? (Select all that apply)
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What are some first aid measures for victims with heat stroke? (Select all that apply)
What are some first aid measures for victims with heat stroke? (Select all that apply)
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What is the condition characterized by a decrease in body temperature below the normal range, often caused by exposure to cold?
What is the condition characterized by a decrease in body temperature below the normal range, often caused by exposure to cold?
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Which of the following are signs and symptoms of hypothermia? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following are signs and symptoms of hypothermia? (Select all that apply)
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What are some first aid measures for patients with hypothermia? (Select all that apply)
What are some first aid measures for patients with hypothermia? (Select all that apply)
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Study Notes
Alterations in Body Temperature
- Pyrexia (Hyperpyrexia): A body temperature above normal range (fever). A very high fever (e.g., 41°C) is called hyperpyrexia. Fever is usually caused by pyrogens (e.g., bacteria).
Clinical Signs of Fever
- Increased heart and respiratory rate
- Shivering
- Complaints of feeling cold
- Rise in body temperature
- Warm skin
- Increased thirst
- Drowsiness, weakness, and convulsions
- Loss of appetite
- Sweating
- Possible dehydration
Nursing Interventions for Clients with Fever
- Monitor vital signs
- Assess skin color and temperature
- Monitor white blood cell count
- Remove excess blankets when client feels warm, but provide extra warmth if client feels chilled
- Provide adequate food and fluids (e.g., 2500-3000 mL per day)
- Measure intake and output
- Reduce physical activity
Further Management of Fever
- Administer antipyretics as ordered
- Provide oral hygiene to maintain moist mucous membranes
- Provide a tepid bath
- Provide dry clothing and bed linens
Heat Stroke
- Dangerous heat emergency due to prolonged sun exposure or high environmental temperatures.
- This depresses hypothalamic function.
Signs and Symptoms of Heat Stroke
- Confusion/delirium
- Excessive thirst
- Nausea
- Muscle cramps
- Visual disturbances
- Hot, dry skin
- Incontinence
First Aid for Heat Stroke Victims
- Move to a cooler environment
- Reduce clothing
- Apply wet towels (room temperature tap water) to skin
- Use oscillating fans
Additional Heat Stroke Interventions
- Use a fan to lower temperature
- Apply cold compresses
- Have victim lie down
- Elevate feet
- Have victim drink fluids
- Bring to nearest health facility for further management
Hypothermia
- Decrease in body temperature below normal range. Occurs when body is exposed to cold; typically develops gradually.
Classifications of Hypothermia
- Mild: 34-35°C
- Moderate: 30-33.8°C
- Severe: >30°C
Signs and Symptoms of Hypothermia
- Uncontrolled shivering
- Depression and poor judgment
- Cold, pale skin
- Decreased heart rate and respiration
- Cyanotic skin
- If severe, cardiac dysrhythmia, loss of consciousness, and unresponsiveness to stimuli.
First Aid for Hypothermia Victims
- If wet, remove wet clothes and replace with dry ones.
- Wrap client in blankets
- Give hot fluids to drink
- Place client near a fire or warm room
- Place heating pads near affected body areas
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Description
This quiz focuses on the nursing interventions and clinical signs associated with fever, or pyrexia. It covers vital monitoring and management strategies for clients exhibiting elevated body temperatures. Understanding these concepts is crucial for providing effective patient care in clinical settings.
