Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of assessing vital signs?
What is the primary purpose of assessing vital signs?
Which type of body temperature varies with environmental changes?
Which type of body temperature varies with environmental changes?
What unit is NOT used to measure body temperature?
What unit is NOT used to measure body temperature?
When should vital signs be assessed according to health protocols?
When should vital signs be assessed according to health protocols?
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Core body temperature is best defined as:
Core body temperature is best defined as:
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Which does NOT directly affect body temperature?
Which does NOT directly affect body temperature?
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What is the normal range of body temperature generally considered to be?
What is the normal range of body temperature generally considered to be?
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What does the assessment of body temperature help to evaluate?
What does the assessment of body temperature help to evaluate?
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Which factor likely causes body temperature to be different in infants compared to adults?
Which factor likely causes body temperature to be different in infants compared to adults?
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What is the most common period for a person's body temperature to reach its peak in a typical 24-hour cycle?
What is the most common period for a person's body temperature to reach its peak in a typical 24-hour cycle?
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Which factor is known to temporarily affect body temperature readings when measuring oral temperature?
Which factor is known to temporarily affect body temperature readings when measuring oral temperature?
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How do hormonal changes in women typically affect body temperature?
How do hormonal changes in women typically affect body temperature?
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Which of the following factors can lead to an increase in body temperature due to physical or emotional stress?
Which of the following factors can lead to an increase in body temperature due to physical or emotional stress?
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Study Notes
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
| Assessment Site | Fahrenheit | Centigrade |
|---|---|---|
| Oral | 98.6° | 37° |
| Rectal | 99.6° | 37.5° |
| Axillary | 97.6° | 36.4° |
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.
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Description
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.
