Unit 14:Vital Signs

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

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 97-100 F.

Variations in temperature can occur due to• Rate of metabolism• Time of day (morning-lower; afternoon –

higher)

Abnormal TemperaturesHypothermia• Low body temperature (below 95)• Caused by prolonged exposure• Death occurs if temperature falls below 93 for a period of

timeFever (pyrexia)• Elevated body temperature (above 101)• Usually caused by infection or injury with inflammation• Febrile- having fever; afebrile-without feverHyperthermia• 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

Sites for temperature assessmentOral • most convenient and common• Thermometer in place for 3-5 minutes• Normal range 97.6-99.6 FRectal• Most accurate• Thermometer in place for 3-5 minutes• Normal range 98.6-100.6Axillary• Least accurate• Thermometer in place for 10 minutes• Normal range 96.6-98.6Aural• Taken in ear (auditory canal), measures heat from tympanic

membrane• Most aural thermometers record in less than 2 seconds

Factors that Increase Temperature• Illness and infection• Exercise• Excitement• Hot environment

Factors that Decrease Temperature• Starvation/fasting/dieting• Sleep• Decreased muscle activity• Cold environment