1. Vital Signs Temperature Pulse Respiration Blood Pressure

2. Temperature  Balance between heat loss & heat produced  When is the body temp the highest (in a day)?  When is it the lowest?  Temperature varies by body site

3. Body Sites  Oral  Taken in the mouth  Most common and convenient  Do not use with toddlers, confused pt  Average temp. = 98.6 F  Range = 97.6 to 99.7 F

4.  Rectal  Taken in the rectum  Most accurate  Common in newborns  Average temp = 99.6 F  Range = 98.6 – 100.6 F

5.  Axillary  Taken under the arm  Less accurate of all methods  Common for newborns, babies, toddlers  Average = 97.6 F  Range = 96.0 – 98.6 F

6.  Aural (Tympanic)  Taken in the ear canal  Common in infants and toddlers  Range = 96.6 to 99.7 F

7. Causes of Increase Temp.  Infection (Fever = 101 F; Pyrexia/Febrile)  Exercise  High environmental temp.  Hyperthermia  Temp 104F or higher  Causes include brain damage, infections, long exposure to hot temp.  Temp @ 105 to 106 F cause seizures & death

8. Causes of Decrease Temp.  Starvation  Sleep  Exposure to cold temp.  Hypothermia  Temp 95 F or lower  Death occurs @ 93F & lower  Caused by prolonged exposure to cold, starvation