Vital SignsTemperaturePulseRespirationBlood Pressure

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

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

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

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

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

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

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