Practical physiology temperature Ass.prof.sahar j kadhum
Body temperature Body temperature is tightly controlled to maintain normal metabolic processes. This control is achieved by the hypothalamus.
Clinical thermometer
It is measured by centigrade (Celsius) scale but many countries (USA) are using Fahrenheit scale. The normal range of the body temperature is 36.7-37.2 C˚. 98.1-99F
Body temperature is recorded as degree of centigrade(c) or degree of Fahrenheit F=(9/5 XC) +32 =(9/5X37)+32=98.6 to change Fahrenheit to centigrade subtract 32 and multiply 5/9. C=(F-32)X5/9 =(100-32)x5/9=37.8
Heat is produced by:- Metabolic process. Food intake (dynamic action). Exercise (contraction of skeletal muscles). Hot environment such as sun, heater.
Heat is lost through:- Skin 97 % (radiation, conduction and evaporation) Expired air 2%. Urine and feces 1%.
Physiological variation 1- In women, the temperature may be one Celsius degree higher during ovulation. 2- The temperature of people who live in hot area 0.5 C˚ more than those live in cold area. 3- The temperature at evening 0.5 C˚ more than morning due to increase metabolism. 4-The temperature in groin and axilla is low 0.5 C˚ than that in the mouth while in the rectum its 0.5 C˚ higher.
Routs of temperature measurement:- 1- Mouth route, the most commonly used route and used in a conscious adult and in children older than 5 years. 2- Axilla route is used in unconscious adult and children. 3- Groin route is used in infant and smaller children. 4-Rectal route is now rarely taken.
Oral temperature measurement 1-clean thermometer, by alcohol 2-if the mercury 45c,lower it to below35.6c 3-insert bulb inside mouth under the tongue 4-leave it 2-5 minutes 5-remove it and read
Contraindication of oral temperature 1-infant 2- unconscious patients 3-inflammation or surgery of mouth 4-persistant frequent coughing 5-Mouth breathing patients
DIGITAL THERMOMETER
Temperature chart
2-the rectal method (in the rectum) Most accurate Left the thermometer 2-3 min Its half degree higher than that recorded in the mouth Indication 1-in infant and children 2-unconscious patient 3-in patient with epilepsy
RECTAL THERMOMETER
Indirect method 1-Axilla or groin Because of skin and connective tissue the temperature recorded is lower than half degree than that of mouth. Used for babies and old ages -put the thermometer in axillary flexure while upper arm held close to body
AURAL THERMOMETER
2-AURAL take with a special thermometer that placed in the ear or auditory canal detect infrared energy radiating from blood vessels in the tympanic membrane since provide body core temp.