Body Temperature Alterations & First Aid PDF

Alterations in body temperature Pyrexia OR hyperpyrexia "fever" Pyrexia Or hyperpyrexia "fever Definition: A body temperature above the normal range is called pyrexia, hyperthermia, or fever. Avery high fever, such as 410° is called hyperpyrexia. Fever is usually caused by pyrogens such as ba...

Alterations in body temperature Pyrexia OR hyperpyrexia "fever" Pyrexia Or hyperpyrexia "fever Definition: A body temperature above the normal range is called pyrexia, hyperthermia, or fever. Avery high fever, such as 410° is called hyperpyrexia. Fever is usually caused by pyrogens such as bacteria. Clinical signs of fever Increased heart and respiratory rate. Shivering Complaints of feelingcold. Rise in body temperature Warm Skin. Increased thirst. Drowsiness, weakness and convulsions. Loss of appetite. Sweating. Possible dehydration.  Nursing interventions for clients with fever Monitor vital signs. Assess skin color and temperature. Monitor white blood cell count, Remove excess blankets when the client feels warm but provide extra warmth when the client feels chilled. Provide adequate food and fluids (e.g., 2500-3000mL per day) Measure intake and output. Reduce physical activity. Administer antipyretics as ordered. Provide oral hygiene to keep the mucous membrane moist. Provide a tepid bath Provide dry clothing and bed linens Heat stroke It is dangerous heat emergencies which occur due to prolonged exposure to the sun or high environmental temperature; this can depress the hypothalam ic function.  Signs and symptoms of heat stroke NConfusion, delirium. NExcess thirst....Nausea...Muscle cramps. WVisual disturbances. MHot, dry skin. NIncontinence may occur. First aid for victims with heat stroke Moving the client to a cooler environment. Reducing the clothing covering the body. NPlacing wet towels over the skin -with tap water (room temperature). NUsing oscillating fans to increase heat loss. HEAT STROKE Use a fan to lower temperature Elevate feet Apply cold compresses Have victim drink fluids Bring to nearest health facility for Have victim lie down further management Hypothemia: Decrease body temperature below the normal range, this condition occurs when the body exposed to cold, which usually develop gradually. CMild hypothermia:34-35C0 CModerate hypothermia:30-33.8C° CSever hypothermia:>300° sIgns and symptoms of hypothermia. Uncontrolled shivering. Depression and poor judgment. Cold, pale skin. Decreased heart rate and respiration. "Cyanotic skin. If the hypothermia progress, cardiac dysrhythmia, loss of consciousness and become unresponsive to painful stimuli. First aid for patients with hypothermia: If thepatient is wet, remove the wet cloths and replace them with dry ones. Warp the client in blankets. Give him hot fluids to drink. Place the client near a fire or in a warm room. Place heating pads next to area of the body.