temperatures. vital signs various determinations that provide information about the basic body...
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Temperatures
Vital Signs
Various determinations that provide information about the basic body conditions of the patient.
Four main vital signs: temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure.
Other important vital signs…
That provide information about the patient’s condition include the color of the skin, the size of the pupils in the eyes and their reaction to light, the level of consciousness, and the patient's response to stimuli.
Health assistants may have responsibility of measuring and recording vital signs.Not in realm of duties to
reveal this information to the patient
Physician will decide if this information should be told to patient.
Accuracy Is Essential
Abnormal vital signs are often the first indication of a disease or abnormality.
Accuracy Is Essential
Never guess or report an inaccurate reading.
If you note any abnormality or change in a vital sign, report it immediately to your supervisor.
If you have difficulty obtaining a correct reading for any vital sign, ask another individual to check the reading.
Temperature
Measurement of the balance between heat lost and heat produced in the body
Heat is lost through perspiration, respiration and excretion (urine and feces).
Heat is produced by metabolism of food and muscle and gland activity.
Homeostasis
Constant state of fluid balance.
Ideal health state in the human body.
Homeostasis
Rate of chemical reactions in body is regulated by the temperature.
If temperature is too high or too low, body’s fluid balance is also affected.
Variations in Body Temperature
Normal range for body temperature is 97 degrees F to 100 degrees F.
Variations caused by individual differences, time of day, part of body and other factors.
Time of Day Affects Body Temperature
Usually lower in morning after body has rested.
Higher in evening after muscular activity and food intake with metabolism.
Parts of Body Where Temperature Is Measured
Leads to Variations. Oral temperature: measured in
mouth Clinical thermometer left in place 3- 5
minutes Normal oral temperature in 98.6
degrees F Range 97.6-99.6 Most common, convenient and
comfortable method
Rectal Temperature
Measured in rectum Clinical thermometer held in
place 3-5 minutes Normal rectal temperature is 99.6
to 100.6 f Most accurate because it is an
internal measurement
Axillary or groin temperature
Axillary is taken in armpit while upper arm is held close to body and thermometer is inserted between two folds of skin
Groin is taken between two folds of skin formed by the inner part of the thigh and lower abdomen
Axillary or Groin Temperature
Clinical thermometer is held in place 10 minutes.
Normal is 97.6*F. Range: 96.6-98.6*F. Both types are less accurate
because they are external temperatures.
Aural Temperature
Taken with special thermometer that is placed in the ear or auditory canal
Thermometer detects and measures the thermal, infrared energy radiating from blood vessels in the tympanic membrane or eardrum.
Aural Temperature
Since this provides a measurement of body core temperature, there is no normal range for aural
Most tympanic thermometers will record the temperature in less than 2 seconds.
Factors Causing an Increase in Body
TemperatureIllness and infectionExerciseHigh temperatures in the environment
Factors Causing a Decrease in Body
TemperatureStarvation or fastingSleepDecrease muscle activityMouth breathingCold temperatures in the
environment
Abnormal Conditions
HypothermiaFeverHyperthermia
Hypothermia
Low body temperature below 95*F (35*C) rectally
Can be caused by prolonged exposure to the cold
Death usually occurs if temperature drops below 93*F (33.9*C) for a period of time
Fever
Elevated body temperature
Usually above 101*F (38.3*) rectally
Usually caused by infection or injury
Hyperthermia Body temperature exceeds 104* F
(40*C) rectally Can be caused by prolonged exposure
to hot temperatures, brain damage, or serious infection
Immediate actions must be taken to lower temperature
Temperatures above 106*F (41.1*C) can quickly lead to convulsions and death
Clinical thermometers
Glass thermometers used to record temperature
Consists of a slender glass tube containing mercury, which expands when exposed to heat
Oral thermometer
Has a long, SLENDER BULB AND/OR BLUE TIP
Security oral thermometer has a shorter, rounder bulb and may be marked with a blue tip
Rectal thermometer
Has a short, stubby, rounded bulb, and may be marked with a red tip
Some have word oral or rectal written on the stem
If clinical thermometer breaks,
the mercury can evaporate and create a toxic vapor that can harm both humans and the environment
Electronic thermometers
Used in many facilities Register the temperature on a
viewer in a few seconds Used to take oral, rectal, axillary,
and/or groin temperatures Blue probes for oral use Red probes for axillary or rectal use
Prevent cross contamination from patient to patient
Disposable cover is placed over thermometer probe before temperature is taken
Change disposable covers after each use
Electronic digital thermometers are
excellent for home use Eliminates the hazard of a mercury
spill Small battery operated unit usually
will register the temperature in about 60 seconds on a digital display screen
Disposable probe covers prevent contamination of the probe
Tympanic Thermometers
Specialized electronic thermometers
Records aural temp in the ear Disposable cover is placed on the
ear probe Probe is inserted into the auditory
canal, and a scan button is pushed
Plastic or paper thermometers
Used in some facilitiesContain special chemical
dots or stripsChange color when exposed
to specific temperaturesUsed once and discarded
Reading a glass clinical thermometer
Hold it at eye level and find the solid column of mercury
Read at the point where the mercury line ends
Each long line represents 1 degree Exception at times is long line for
98.6*F
Reading a glass clinical thermometer
98.6*F represents normal oral body temperature
Each short line represents 0.2 degrees (two-tenths)
Temperature recorded to nearest tow-tenths of a degree
Recording temperature
If temperature is taken orally, not necessary to indicate an oral reading
For rectal temperature, Place a (R) by the reading
For axillary temperature, place an (Ax) by the reading
Recording temperature
For groin temperature, place a (Gr) by the reading
For aural temperature, place a (T) for tympanic by the reading
Avoid factors that could alter or change
temperature Eating,
drinking hot or cold liquids and/or smoking can alter the temperature in the mouth
Ask before checking the patient’s temp, if the patient has done any of these things , wait 15 minutes before checking temperature
Cleaning thermometers Glass clinical thermometers Must be cleaned thoroughly after use Follow agency procedure Wipe with soapy cotton ball or gauze
pad after use Rinse in cool water to prevent
breakage and to avoid destroying column of mercury
Shake the thermometer down to 96*F
Hold securely between thumb and index finger
Use a snapping motion of the wrist Avoid countertops, tables, and so
forth Soak in a disinfectant (frequently
70 % alcohol) for a minimum of 30 minutes
Paper/plastic sheath on glass thermometer
Used to cover thermometer while temperature is taken
Discarded after use Thermometer remains clean
because there is no contact with patient
Many agencies still soak in disinfectants between use.
Electronic and tympanic thermometers
Probe covered with plastic sheath Plastic sheath discarded after
each use No contamination of probe Follow agency policy for cleaning
and care of thermometers