Physiology Chapter on Body Temperature and Vital Signs

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Questions and Answers

What does normal body temperature range from in degrees Celsius?

37.5 – 38.5 C

35.5 – 36.5 C

36.4 – 37.4 C (correct)

34.0 – 35.0 C

Which component of body temperature is relatively constant?

Core temperature (correct)

Ambient temperature

Skin temperature

Surface temperature

What term is used to describe a body temperature above the normal range?

Euphoria

Pyrexia (correct)

Hyperthermia

Hypothermia

Which of the following is NOT a method of heat loss from the body?

Absorption Signup and view all the answers

Which temperature indicates severe impairment of the hypothalamic regulatory center?

Above 105.8°F (41°C) Signup and view all the answers

What physiological structure acts as the main center for temperature regulation?

Hypothalamus Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the body temperature when sensors in the hypothalamus detect heat?

Body temperature falls Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following temperature ranges is associated with hyperpyrexia?

Above 40 C Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of tachycardia?

A pulse rate greater than 100 beats per minute Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle is primarily responsible for the act of inhalation?

Diaphragm muscle Signup and view all the answers

What does pulse deficit indicate?

The difference between the apical pulse and radial pulse rate Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes bradypnea?

Slow breathing Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal range for respiratory rates in adults?

12 – 20 breaths per minute Signup and view all the answers

Which type of pulse is located above the apex of the heart?

Apical pulse Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is indicated by hyperventilation?

Very deep respiration Signup and view all the answers

What does the pulse volume refer to?

The force of blood with each beat Signup and view all the answers

What is a clinical sign that indicates a patient is febrile?

Increased respiratory rate Signup and view all the answers

Which method for assessing body temperature is considered the most reliable?

Rectal method Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a disadvantage of using the oral site for temperature assessment?

It can break if bitten Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant drawback of the auxiliary method for temperature measurement?

It takes a long time to provide an accurate reading Signup and view all the answers

Which condition contraindicates the use of rectal temperature assessment?

Prolapsed rectum Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding tympanic temperature assessment?

It can cause discomfort if the thermometer is inserted too far. Signup and view all the answers

What does Korotkoff Sound no 5 indicate in blood pressure measurement?

Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) Signup and view all the answers

Which thermometer type is known for its quick reading and accessibility?

Tympanic thermometer Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to keep the cuff at heart level during blood pressure measurement?

To ensure accurate readings regardless of body position Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about oral temperature assessments?

They can be taken immediately after eating or drinking. Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason for ensuring the correct cuff size when measuring blood pressure?

To avoid inaccurate blood pressure readings Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason to encourage home blood pressure measurement?

To improve understanding of diet and exercise Signup and view all the answers

Which patients benefit most from home blood pressure measurements?

Patients experiencing white coat syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum resting time recommended before measuring blood pressure?

3-5 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of an ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM)?

It measures blood pressure during the patient's daily activities Signup and view all the answers

When measuring blood pressure, which substances should be avoided 30 minutes prior to measurement?

Caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol Signup and view all the answers

What term describes difficult and labored breathing?

Dyspnea Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cough is characterized by the absence of secretions?

Nonproductive cough Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal definition of blood pressure?

Pressure exerted by blood flowing through the arteries Signup and view all the answers

In the formula for Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP), how is diastolic pressure treated?

Weighted twice as heavily as systolic Signup and view all the answers

What is considered hypertension?

Persistent blood pressure above normal Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided for at least 30 minutes before measuring blood pressure?

Caffeine, smoking, and alcohol Signup and view all the answers

Which artery is commonly used for measuring blood pressure in the arm?

Brachial artery Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of chemoreceptors in respiration?

To monitor levels of CO2 and O2 in the blood Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vital Signs

Vital signs are four objective assessment data that show how well the body is functioning. They are sensitive to changes in physiology.
Vital signs include body temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure.
Normal body temperature: 36.4-37.4°C (98.6°F)
Oral fever temperature: >100°F
Rectal fever temperature: > 100.5°F
Ways of heat loss: radiation, conduction, convection, evaporation.
Temperature regulation is controlled by the hypothalamus.
Temperatures above 105.8°F (41°C) and below 93.2°F (34°C) indicate hypothalamic impairment.
Pyrexia (fever): body temperature is above the normal range (38-40°C).
Hyperpyrexia: very high temperature (more than 40°C)
Hypothermia: body temperature less than 35°C

Body Temperature

Definition: The balance between heat production and heat loss measured in degrees.
Fahrenheit scale: 32°F is the freezing point and 212°F is the boiling point of water.
Centigrade scale: 0°C is the freezing point and 100°C is the boiling point of water.
Types of body temperature: Core (deep tissues of the body, such as thorax and abdomen) is relatively constant and Surface (skin and subcutaneous tissue) varies due to the environment.

Assessment Sites for Body Temperature

Oral site: Convenient and accessible, but inaccurate if the patient has recently consumed hot or cold substances. It can be contraindicated in uncooperative patients, children, or unconscious patients.
Rectal site: Most reliable, but can be embarrassing or inconvenient and can injure the rectum.
Auxiliary site: Safe, non-invasive and preferred for infants and unconscious patients, but takes longer to obtain an accurate reading.
Tympanic site: Very fast, accessible and reflects the core temperature, but the right and left measurements can differ and membrane injury risk exists if inserted too far.

Contraindications

Oral Temperature: Uncooperative or unconscious patients, following oral trauma or surgery, patients receiving oxygen therapy (oxygen cools the mouth and tachypnea leads to a low reading).
Rectal Temperature: Prolapsed rectum, following rectal surgery, severe diarrhea, bleeding tendency (e.g., leukemia, thrombocytopenia).
Tympanic Temperature: Infected or draining ears or if there's a lesion or incision near the ear.

Types of Thermometers

Mercury glass thermometer
Electronic thermometer
Skin tape
Tympanic thermometer

Instruments & Materials

Thermometer (glass, oral, or rectal)
Electronic thermometer with protective sheath
Tympanic thermometer with probe cover
Disposable chemical strip thermometer
Lubricant for rectal/glass thermometers
Two pairs of non-sterile gloves
Tissues

Pulse

Definition: The wave of blood created by ventricular contraction of the heart. Cardiac Output = Stroke Volume * Heart Rate.
Types: Peripheral (located in peripheral parts like feet or hands) and Apical (located above the heart).
Pulse deficit: The difference between apical and radial pulse rates.

Pulse Terms

Tachycardia: Pulse rate over 100 bpm.
Bradycardia: Pulse rate under 60 bpm.
Normal heart rate: 60-100 bpm (infants may be more than 100 bpm).
Athletes may have pulse rates under 60 bpm.
Pulse rhythm: The pattern of beats and intervals between them.
Dysrhythmia (arrhythmia): Irregular pulse rhythm.
Pulse volume (pulse strength): The force of blood with each beat.

Respiration

Definition: The act of breathing; normal respiratory rate is 12-20 breaths per minute (bpm).
Types of respiration: External (exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between alveoli and blood) and internal (exchange of gases between blood and body tissues).
Muscles in respiration: Diaphragm (main muscle), intercostal muscles and sternocleidomastoid muscle.
Observe chest movement in females and abdominal movement in males.

Respiration Terms

Inhalation (inspiration): Intake of air into the lungs.
Exhalation (expiration): Breathing out or movement of gases from the lungs to the atmosphere.
Breathing pattern: Volume (hyperventilation: very deep; hypoventilation: shallow).
Eupnea: Normal respiratory rate and depth.
Bradypnea: Slow breathing.
Tachypnea: Fast breathing rate.
Dyspnea: Difficult and labored breathing.
Orthopnea: Ability to breathe only in upright sitting or standing positions.

Respiration: Secretions and Coughing

Hemoptysis: Presence of blood in sputum.
Productive cough: Cough accompanied by secretions.
Nonproductive cough: Dry cough with no secretions.

Respiration: Regulation

Respiratory center in the medulla oblongata.
Central and peripheral chemoreceptors (e.g. in carotid and aortic body).

Blood Pressure

Definition: The pressure exerted by blood as it flows through the arteries.
Systolic blood pressure: Pressure during ventricular contraction.
Diastolic blood pressure: Pressure when ventricles are at rest.
Pulse pressure: Difference between systolic and diastolic pressure.
Example: 130/80 (systolic/diastolic)

Blood Pressure: Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)

MAP = (1/3) systolic + (2/3) diastolic
Example, with BP 120/90, MAP is 100

Blood Pressure: Terms

Hypertension: Persistent blood pressure higher than normal.
Hypotension: Blood pressure is lower than the normal range.
Orthostatic Hypotension: Blood pressure drops upon standing.

Blood Pressure Measurement (general)

Patient Posture: Seated with back support, arm bared at heart level, 5 minutes rest.
Patient Circumstances: Quiet, warm room. Avoid caffeine, smoking or alcohol 30 min. prior. No talking.
Equipment:
- Cuff size: 12-13cm X 35cm
- Manometer: types/calibration
- Non-invasive, semi-automatic or automatic blood pressure devices
Technique:
- Korotkoff Sound no 5 (disappearance of sound) = Diastolic Blood Pressure
- Both arms if peripheral arterial disease
- Standing blood pressure in elderly/diabetic (orthostatic hypertension)
- Cuff at heart level (regardless of patient position).

Other vital sign measurement devices

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM)
Home blood pressure Measurement: patient involvement in care; patients to be monitored for hypertension diagnosis, nonadherence, white coat, masked hypertension

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Description

Test your knowledge on the physiological concepts surrounding body temperature and vital signs in this quiz. Explore topics including normal temperature ranges, methods of heat loss, and conditions like tachycardia and bradypnea. Perfect for students studying basic human physiology.