Thermoregulation PPT

What is thermoregulation?

Regulation of body temperature by hypothalamic cells in response to signals from thermal receptors near the skin surface, keeping temperature near a constant value.

Which part of the brain regulates thermoregulation?

Hypothalamus.

What terms are associated with thermoregulation?

Fever, Pyrexia, Hyperthermia, Hypothermia.

What are the main ways the body loses heat?

Radiation, Convection, Evaporation, Conduction.

What are the main sources of heat production in the body?

Metabolic activity, Muscle activity (exercise, shivering).

What thermoregulation functions are decreased in older adults?

• Temperature regulation

• Vasoconstrictor responses

• Sweating

• Heat production (metabolic rate)

• Physical activity

• Shivering response

• Perception of environmental temperature

Which populations are at increased risk for impaired thermoregulation?

Infants, young children, older adults, males, African-Americans, residents of Southern states (heat), residents of Northern states (cold).

Which individuals are more at risk?

Those with lower socioeconomic status, unhoused individuals, and older adults with dementia.

Which concepts are interrelated with thermoregulation?

Intracranial regulation, Nutrition, Fluid & electrolytes, Tissue integrity, Perfusion, Infection.

What is the normal body temperature range (normothermia)?

35.8°C – 38°C (96.4°F – 100.4°F).

At what temperature does fever occur?

Greater than 38°C (100.4°F).

What is hyperpyrexia?

Body temperature greater than 41°C (105.8°F).

What is hypothermia?

Body temperature below 35°C (95°F).

What are the levels of hypothermia?

• Severe: less than 30°C (86°F)

• Moderate: 30–34°C (86–93.2°F)

• Mild: 34–35°C (93.2–95°F)

What are symptoms of fever?

Temperature greater than 38°C (100.4°F), chills with gooseflesh, shivering/cold skin, warm flushed skin, increased heart rate and respiratory rate, feels cold, no sweating.

What are symptoms of hypothermia?

Temperature below 35°C (95°F), cold pale skin, shivering initially then no shivering, delayed capillary refill, weak/irregular pulse, changes in mentation, poor coordination, slurred speech.