1. Vital Signs: Temperature
Temperature Basics

2. Vital Signs Important indicators of health states of the body
Provide information about the basic body conditions
Any drastic changes in these can lead to death
It is essential VS are accurate
VS are often the 1st indication of a disease or abnormality
4 main VS: temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure

3. Temperature
Measurement of the balance between heat lost and heat produced by the body
Heat is lost through perspiration, respiration, and excretion (urine and feces)
Heat is produced by the metabolism of food, and by muscle and gland activity

4. Temperature
A constant state of fluid balance (homeostasis) is ideal in the body
The rates of chemical reactions in the body are regulated by body temperature
If body temperature is too high or too low, the body’s fluid balance is affected.

5. Temperature Where can temperature be measured? mouth (oral)
rectum (rectal)
armpit (axillary)
ear canal (aural or tympanic)
temporal artery (temporal)

6. Temperature
Can be measured in degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius (centigrade)

7. Temperature
The normal range for body temperature is F or C
Body temperature can vary for several reasons:
Time of day-temp is usually lower in the am and higher in the pm
Illness or Stress
Exposure to heat or cold
Body site the temp was taken in
Individual body differences (accelerated body processes=higher temp, slower body processes=lower temp)

8. Temperature Causes of increased body temperature: Illness Infection
Exercise
Excitement
Hot environment

9. Temperature Causes of decreased body temperature:
Starvation or fasting
Sleep
Decreased muscle activity
Mouth breathing
Certain diseases

10. Temperature Vocabulary
Hypothermia=low body temp
below 95 F rectally; caused by prolonged exposure to cold; death occurs is below 93F for a period of time
Fever=elevated body temp
above 101 F rectally
Pyrexia=another term for fever

11. Temperature Vocabulary
Febrile=fever is present
Afebrile=no fever, temp is within normal range
Hyperthermia=body temp exceeds 104 F rectally
caused by prolonged exposure to hot temps, brain damage, and serious infection
T over 106 F leads to convulsions, brain damage, and death