Thermoregulation Lecture Notes

Flashcards about Thermoregulation

Thermoregulation

The process of maintaining the core body temperature at a nearly constant value

Normothermia

Normal body temperature (ranges between 36.5° C and 37.2° C)

Hypothermia

A body temperature below 36.2° C

Hyperthermia

A body temperature above 37.6 ° C

Hyperpyrexia

An extremely high body temperature (above 41.5° C)

Fever

Elevation in body temperature due to a change in the hypothetical set point

Normothermia Range

Normal body temperature range

Mild Hypothermia Range

Body temperature range for mild hypothermia

Moderate Hypothermia Range

Body temperature range for moderate hypothermia

Severe Hypothermia Temperature

Body temperature in severe hypothermia

Hyperthermia Temperature

Body temperature denoting hyperthermia

Hyperpyrexia Temperature

Body temperature denoting hyperpyrexia

Hypothalamus

The body's thermostat

Increased Temperature Response

Occurs when blood vessels dilate, giving a flushed appearance and sweat glands become more active

Decreased Temperature Response

Occurs when blood vessels constrict, heat is trapped in deeper tissues, sweat glands become less active, and skeletal muscles contract causing shivering

Consequence of Hypothermia

Prolonged peripheral vasoconstriction leading to tissue ischemia and potentially tissue necrosis or death

Very Young Persons

Populations at greatest risk for thermoregulation problems

Very Old Persons

Populations at greatest risk for thermoregulation problems

Poor Persons

Populations at greatest risk for thermoregulation problems

Persons Living in Very Hot or Cold Climates

Populations at greatest risk for thermoregulation problems

Cognitive Impairment

A risk factor that can lead to problems with thermoregulation

Malnourishment

A risk factor that can lead to problems with thermoregulation

Heart Failure

A risk factor that can lead to problems with thermoregulation

Diabetes

A risk factor that can lead to problems with thermoregulation

Traumatic Brain Injury

A risk factor that can lead to problems with thermoregulation

Environmental Exposure

A risk factor that can lead to problems with thermoregulation

Primary Prevention of Thermoregulation Problems

Avoid exposure to temperature extremes, maintain optimal ambient temperature, dress appropriately, and engage in physical activity appropriate to temperature conditions

Underlying Cause of Thermoregulation Problems

Must be identified; treatment depends on the underlying cause, core temperature, age of the patient, and overall patient condition

Overall Goal of Thermoregulation Management

To bring body temperature into the normal temperature range before long-term effects occur

Intervention Strategies for Hyperthermia

Remove excess clothing and blankets, provide external cool packs, provide a cooling blanket, hydrate with cool fluids, lavage with cool fluids, and administer antipyretic drug therapy

Intervention Strategies for Hypothermia

Remove the person from cold, provide external warming measures, and provide internal warming measures

Core Rewarming Safety Tip

Must be done slowly to minimize the risk for dysthymias; cardiac monitoring is required when the patient is recovering from severe hypothermia

Antipyretic drug therapy

Medications used to reduce fever

Perfusion

Related to thermoregulation

Infection

Related to thermoregulation

Intracranial Regulation

Related to thermoregulation

Tissue Integrity

Related to thermoregulation

Nutrition

Related to thermoregulation

Fluid and electrolytes

Related to thermoregulation

Infants and Children

Situation leading to thermoregulation problems by age group

Adolescents

Situation leading to thermoregulation problems by age group

Adults

Situation leading to thermoregulation problems by age group

Older adults

Situation leading to thermoregulation problems by age group

Heat Production

The process of heat production and conservation.

Heat Loss

The process of heat dissipation from the body.

Temperature Control

Mechanisms the body uses to maintain a stable internal temperature.

Hyperthermia (Fever)

A condition characterized by an elevated body temperature.

Hypothermia (Condition)

A condition characterized by an abnormally low body temperature.

Peripheral Vasoconstriction

The constriction of blood vessels in the periphery to conserve heat.

Tissue Ischemia

A condition where tissues suffer damage or death due to lack of oxygen.

Blood Vessel Dilation

The dilation of blood vessels, often leading to a flushed appearance as the body tries to release heat.

Antipyretic

A substance that reduces fever.