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What is the process of maintaining a stable core body temperature called?
What is the process of maintaining a stable core body temperature called?
A patient has a body temperature of 42°C (107.6°F). Which term best describes this condition?
A patient has a body temperature of 42°C (107.6°F). Which term best describes this condition?
Which of the following populations is NOT considered to be at high risk for thermoregulation problems?
Which of the following populations is NOT considered to be at high risk for thermoregulation problems?
Which intervention would be the LEAST appropriate for a patient experiencing hypothermia?
Which intervention would be the LEAST appropriate for a patient experiencing hypothermia?
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When the body's temperature decreases, which physiological response is most likely to occur?
When the body's temperature decreases, which physiological response is most likely to occur?
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Which method of heat loss involves the transfer of heat through air movement?
Which method of heat loss involves the transfer of heat through air movement?
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Which of the following medications is NOT typically used to treat pyrexia or fever?
Which of the following medications is NOT typically used to treat pyrexia or fever?
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A patient presents with fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and extreme thirst after spending several hours doing strenuous activity in very hot, humid weather. Which condition is the patient most likely experiencing?
A patient presents with fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and extreme thirst after spending several hours doing strenuous activity in very hot, humid weather. Which condition is the patient most likely experiencing?
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Which assessment finding is most indicative of heat stroke?
Which assessment finding is most indicative of heat stroke?
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What is the primary physiological process that leads to heat stroke?
What is the primary physiological process that leads to heat stroke?
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The most effective treatment for heat stroke is:
The most effective treatment for heat stroke is:
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Cellular damage in frostbite is primarily caused by:
Cellular damage in frostbite is primarily caused by:
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A patient with superficial frostbite would exhibit which of the following skin characteristics?
A patient with superficial frostbite would exhibit which of the following skin characteristics?
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What is the immediate physiological response in the body to cold stress that can lead to frostbite?
What is the immediate physiological response in the body to cold stress that can lead to frostbite?
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What is a key difference between superficial and deep frostbite?
What is a key difference between superficial and deep frostbite?
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What is a common and potentially dangerous complication that can result from heat stroke?
What is a common and potentially dangerous complication that can result from heat stroke?
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Which of the following physiological responses is NOT typically associated with moderate hypothermia?
Which of the following physiological responses is NOT typically associated with moderate hypothermia?
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An elderly patient is admitted with a core temperature of 94°F (34.4°C). What category of hypothermia does this represent, and what management strategy is most appropriate?
An elderly patient is admitted with a core temperature of 94°F (34.4°C). What category of hypothermia does this represent, and what management strategy is most appropriate?
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A patient in severe hypothermia exhibits fixed and dilated pupils. This is most likely due to:
A patient in severe hypothermia exhibits fixed and dilated pupils. This is most likely due to:
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A patient with moderate hypothermia is at risk for increased risk of stroke, MI, and PE due to:
A patient with moderate hypothermia is at risk for increased risk of stroke, MI, and PE due to:
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A patient is being treated for moderate hypothermia. Which intravenous fluid is NOT typically used?
A patient is being treated for moderate hypothermia. Which intravenous fluid is NOT typically used?
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What is the rationale for the importance of correcting the acidosis that occurs with hypothermia?
What is the rationale for the importance of correcting the acidosis that occurs with hypothermia?
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What is the most important step for a patient in severe hypothermia before being declared dead?
What is the most important step for a patient in severe hypothermia before being declared dead?
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Afterdrop is a risk associated with rewarming a patient with hypothermia and is best described as:
Afterdrop is a risk associated with rewarming a patient with hypothermia and is best described as:
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Study Notes
Thermoregulation
- Thermoregulation is the process of maintaining a constant core body temperature.
- Normothermia: Normal body temperature ranges between 36.2°C to 37.6°C (97.1°F to 99.6°F).
- Hyperpyrexia: Extremely high body temperature above 41.5°C (106.7°F)
Definitions
-
Fever: Elevation in body temperature due to a change in the hypothetical set point.
- Pyrexia
- Malignant Hyperthermia
- Hyperthermia
- Hyperthermia: Body temperature above 37.6°C (99.6°F).
- Hypothermia: Body temperature below 36.2°C (97.1°F).
Interventions for Hyperthermia
- Remove excess clothing
- Provide external cooling measures (cool packs, cooling blankets)
- Provide hydration (oral or IV)
- Give antipyretic drug therapy
Interventions for Hypothermia
- Remove person from cold environment
- Provide external warming measures
- Provide internal warming measures
Non-shivering Thermogenesis
- Increased temperature causes blood vessels to dilate (skin flushed), and sweat glands are activated.
Body Temperature Regulation
- Radiation: Heat transfer from one surface to another without direct contact.
- Conduction: Heat transfer from one object to another with direct contact.
- Convection: Heat transfer away by air movement.
- Evaporation: Heat transfer when a liquid changes to a gas.
- Diaphoresis: Visible perspiration, primarily on the forehead and upper thorax.
Methods of Temperature Measurement
- Three invasive core temperature sites.
- Specific locations not provided.
Medications for Pyrexia/Fever
- Acetaminophen
- Ibuprofen
- Aspirin
Heat-Related Emergencies
Heat Cramps
- Brief and intense muscle cramps in large muscle groups.
- Inadequate fluid intake.
- Nausea, tachycardia, pallor, weakness, and profuse diaphoresis.
- Interventions: Rest, hydration, and pain relief.
Heat Exhaustion
- Prolonged exposure to heat, usually due to strenuous activity in hot, humid environments.
- Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, extreme thirst, hypotension, tachycardia, elevated body temperature, dilated pupils, and ashen coloring, and profuse sweating.
- Interventions: Fluid replacement, cool environment, and monitoring.
Heat Stroke
- Most serious heat-related emergency.
- Failure of hypothalamic thermoregulatory processes.
- Increased sweating, vasodilation, and increased respiratory rate deplete fluids and electrolytes.
- Sweat glands eventually stop functioning.
- Core temperature rises rapidly (above 105.8°F (41°C)).
- Altered mental status, confusion, coma, hypotension, tachycardia, tachypnea, weakness, hot dry skin, absence of sweating, and circulatory collapse.
- Interventions: Immediate medical attention via cool methods.
Cold-Related Emergencies
Frostbite
- Tissue freezing.
- Localized; typically affecting hands and feet (less commonly cheeks, nose, ears, penis).
- Superficial frostbite: involves the skin and subcutaneous tissue.
- Deep frostbite: involves muscle, bone, and tendon; skin will appear white, hard, and insensitive to touch. Can lead to gangrene (loss of blood circulation to the area and the skin tissue will die).
- Interventions: rapid warming by controlled circulating water immersion (99-102°F/37.2-38.9°C). No rubbing or massage of affected areas
Hypothermia
- Core body temperature below 95°F (35°C).
- Mild (93-95°F/33.9–35°C): Shivering, lethargy, confusion.
- Moderate (86-93°F/30-33.9°C): Rigidity, bradycardia, bradypnea.
- Severe (below 86°F/30°C): Life-threatening. Loss of consciousness, absent reflexes, and vital signs are difficult to detect.
- Interventions: Passive or active external rewarming, correct dehydration and acidosis, and treat dysrhythmias.
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Description
This quiz covers the essential concepts of thermoregulation, including definitions of normothermia, hyperthermia, hypothermia, and fever. It also discusses interventions for managing abnormal body temperatures and explores the phenomenon of non-shivering thermogenesis. Test your understanding of maintaining body temperature in various conditions.
