Vital Signs and Body Temperature Part 1

Body Temperature Part 1

• Body temperature is the balance between heat produced and heat lost from the body.
• Body temperature is measured in degrees, either Fahrenheit or Centigrade.
• Vital signs include temperature, pulse, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, pain, and respiration. They are used to assess a person's physiological status.

Introduction

• Vital signs are measures of a person's physiological status.
• They're used to assess basic body functions and are observed, measured, and monitored.
• Body temperature is one vital sign.
• Vital signs are monitored to observe the body's functions.

Times to Assess Vital Signs

• Vital signs are assessed on admission to a healthcare facility for baseline data.
• Vital signs are assessed when a patient has changed health status or reports symptoms, such as chest pain or feeling hot/faint.
• Vital signs are checked per nursing or medical orders.
• They are assessed before and after surgery or invasive procedures.
• Vital signs are assessed before and after medications that affect cardiovascular or respiratory systems.
• Vital signs are assessed before and after nursing interventions that might affect vital signs (e.g. after a patient is moved from bedrest to walking).

Definition of Body Temperature

• Body temperature is the balance between heat produced and heat lost by the body.

Kinds of Body Temperature

• Core temperature: The temperature of deep tissues (thorax, abdominal cavity). It remains relatively constant (around 37°C).
• Surface temperature: The temperature of the skin, subcutaneous tissues, and fat. It changes based on the environment.

Normal Body Temperature Range

• 36°C - 37.4°C

Equivalent Thermometer Readings

Heat Production Factors

• Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): The rate of energy use for essential activities (like breathing). Metabolic rates decrease with age.
• Muscular activity: Shivering increases metabolic rate.
• Hormones (Epinephrine, Norepinephrine): These hormones immediately increase cellular metabolism.
• Thyroxine output: Increased thyroxine increases cellular metabolism.
• Fever: Fever increases cellular metabolic rates. This, in turn, increases body temperature.

This quiz explores the concept of body temperature as a vital sign and its significance in assessing physiological status. It covers how body temperature is measured, the importance of vital signs, and when they should be assessed. Test your knowledge on how these factors are essential in healthcare settings.