1. Unit 14: Vital Signs

2. Temperature (the balance between heat lost and heat produced in the body)
Heat is lost through
Perspiration
Respiration
Excretion
Heat is produced by
Metabolism
Muscle and gland activity
Homeostasis – state of balance; ideal state in the human body

3. The rate of chemical reactions in the body is affected by temperature.
If body temperature is too low or too high, homeostasis is affected.
Generally, the normal range of body temperature is F.
Variations in temperature can occur due to
Rate of metabolism
Time of day (morning-lower; afternoon – higher)

4. Abnormal Temperatures
Hypothermia
Low body temperature (below 95)
Caused by prolonged exposure
Death occurs if temperature falls below 93 for a period of time
Fever (pyrexia)
Elevated body temperature (above 101)
Usually caused by infection or injury with inflammation
Febrile- having fever; afebrile-without fever
Hyperthermia
Body temperature greater than 104
Caused by prolonged exposure to high temps
May cause brain damage
Temp greater than 106 can lead to convulsions and death

5. Sites for temperature assessment
Oral
most convenient and common
Thermometer in place for 3-5 minutes
Normal range F
Rectal
Most accurate
Normal range
Axillary
Least accurate
Thermometer in place for 10 minutes
Normal range
Aural
Taken in ear (auditory canal), measures heat from tympanic membrane
Most aural thermometers record in less than 2 seconds

6. Factors that Increase Temperature
Illness and infection
Exercise
Excitement
Hot environment
Factors that Decrease Temperature
Starvation/fasting/dieting
Sleep
Decreased muscle activity
Cold environment