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Questions and Answers
Which part of the thermometer contains mercury and is sensitive to temperature?
Why is mercury used in thermometers?
Which type of thermometer is most accurate and registers one degree Fahrenheit higher than oral temperature?
What is the purpose of holding rectal and axillary thermometers in place?
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Why should oral temperature be delayed for 10-15 minutes after the resident has smoked, eaten, or drank hot/cold liquids?
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Which body temperature measurement type is considered the most convenient?
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What is the term used to describe the temperature of the deep tissues of the body?
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Which part of the body has more receptors for cold than warmth?
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What is the range of normal body temperature when measured orally for an adult?
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Which of the following plays a key role in adjusting the production and loss of heat in the body?
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What type of temperature fluctuates in response to the environment?
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In the equation Heat produced - Heat lost = Body temperature, what does the 'Heat produced' refer to?
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What is the normal range for body temperature in adults?
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Which factor influences infants' body temperature the most?
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What is the term used for a body temperature above the usual range?
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At what time is the point of highest body temperature usually reached?
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What is the term used for a body temperature below the normal range?
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Which hormone contributes to raising body temperature in women?
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Study Notes
Vital Signs
- Vital signs should be taken upon admission, on a routine basis, before and after invasive procedures, medication administration, and nursing interventions
- Vital signs should also be taken when a patient's general condition deteriorates or before a medical emergency
Temperature
- Body temperature is the balance between heat produced by the body and heat lost from the body
- There are two types of temperature: core temperature and surface temperature
- Core temperature is the temperature of the deep tissues of the body and remains constant
- Surface temperature is the temperature of the skin and fluctuates in response to the environment
- Normal body temperature is a range of temperatures, not an exact point, and averages between 36-38°C (96.8-100°F) orally
Regulation of Body Temperature
- The system regulating body temperature has three main parts: sensors in the periphery and core, an integrator in the hypothalamus, and an effector system adjusting heat production and loss
- Most sensors are in the skin, with more receptors for cold than warmth
Factors Affecting Body Temperature
- Age: infants, children, and elderly are affected by temperature changes
- Diurnal variation: body temperature changes throughout the day, peaking between 8pm and 12 midnight and dropping during sleep
- Exercise and hormones: women experience more hormone fluctuations, and progesterone secretion raises body temperature
- Stress: epinephrine and norepinephrine increase metabolic activity and heat production
- Environment: external temperature changes affect body temperature
Alterations in Body Temperature
- Pyrexia or hyperthermia: body temperature above the usual range (above 37.5°C or 99.5°F)
- Hypothermia: body temperature below the usual range (below 36°C or 96.8°F)
Measurement of Body Temperature
- Types of thermometers: glass (mercury-in-glass), digital, and tympanic
- Measurement sites: oral, rectal, axillary, and tympanic
- Safety precautions: hold thermometers correctly, shake down excess mercury, and wipe clean before use
Pulse
- Pulse is an index of the heart's rate and rhythm, providing data on cardiovascular status
- Pulse is a wave of blood created by contraction of the left ventricle of the heart
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Description
Test your knowledge on when to take vital signs, including pupillary reaction and pain assessment, in different scenarios such as before and after interventions or emergencies. Learn about the concept of body temperature and how it is maintained in the body.
