Body Temperature: Physiology, Measurement, and Clinical Applications Body Temperature: Regulation, Assessment, and Nursing Interventions Essential Notes on Body Temperature for Nursing and Paramedics Body Temperature: A Detailed Study on Regulation, Alterations, and Treatment

 

Body Temperature

1. Physiology of Body Temperature

• Body temperature is the balance between heat production and heat loss.

• The normal body temperature is 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F).

• The hypothalamus (in the brain) acts as the body's thermoregulatory center.

• Heat is produced by metabolism, muscle activity, and hormonal influences.

• Heat is lost through radiation, conduction, convection, and evaporation.

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2. Regulation of Body Temperature

The hypothalamus regulates body temperature through:

1. Heat production
• Shivering: Increases muscle activity to generate heat.
• Metabolic rate increase: Thyroid hormones and adrenaline raise metabolism.

1. Heat loss
• Sweating: Cools the body through evaporation.
• Vasodilation: Blood vessels widen to release heat.
• Breathing: Warm air is expelled, helping in heat loss.

1. Behavioral control
   • Wearing warm or light clothes depending on temperature.
   • Moving to warmer or cooler places.

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3. Factors Affecting Body Temperature

• Age: Infants and elderly have difficulty regulating temperature.

• Gender: Women have slight variations due to hormonal changes.

• Exercise: Increases metabolism and heat production.

• Emotions and Stress: Can raise body temperature.

• Environmental Temperature: Hot or cold weather affects temperature.

• Time of Day: Lowest in the early morning, highest in the late afternoon.

• Illness or Infection: Fever increases body temperature.

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4. Assessment of Body Temperature

Sites for Temperature Measurement

• Oral – Under the tongue (Common and accurate).

• Rectal – Most accurate but uncomfortable.

• Axillary (Armpit) – Less accurate, used for infants.

• Tympanic (Ear) – Quick and fairly accurate.

• Temporal (Forehead) – Easy and non-invasive.

Equipment Used

• Mercury Thermometer (Traditional, not commonly used due to toxicity).

• Digital Thermometer (Fast and accurate).

• Infrared Thermometer (Non-contact, used for forehead or ear).

• Disposable Thermometer (Used in hospitals to prevent infection).

Technique for Measuring Temperature

• Oral: Place the thermometer under the tongue for 1 minute.

• Rectal: Insert the thermometer gently into the rectum for 1 minute.

• Axillary: Place the thermometer in the armpit and hold for 2-3 minutes.

• Tympanic: Insert into the ear canal and wait for a beep.

• Temporal: Swipe the thermometer across the forehead.

Special Considerations

• Do not take oral temperature after eating or drinking hot/cold fluids.

• Rectal temperature is not recommended for newborns or people with rectal disorders.

• Axillary temperature takes longer and may not be very accurate.

• Tympanic temperature may be affected by earwax.

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5. Temperature Alterations

A. Hyperthermia (Fever)

• Body temperature above 38°C (100.4°F).

• Causes: Infection, dehydration, heat exposure, inflammatory diseases.

• Symptoms: Sweating, chills, headache, muscle aches, weakness.

• Management:
  • Encourage fluids and rest.
  • Give antipyretics (e.g., Paracetamol).
  • Use cooling measures (cold compress, fan).

B. Heatstroke

• Severe form of hyperthermia (>40°C or 104°F).

• Causes: Prolonged exposure to heat, dehydration, excessive exercise.

• Symptoms: Confusion, dizziness, dry hot skin, unconsciousness.

• Emergency Treatment:
  • Move patient to a cool place.
  • Remove extra clothing.
  • Apply cold packs to the neck, armpits, and groin.
  • Provide IV fluids if severe dehydration occurs.

C. Hypothermia

• Body temperature below 35°C (95°F).

• Causes: Cold exposure, wet clothing, shock, alcohol consumption.

• Symptoms: Shivering, slow breathing, confusion, blue skin, unconsciousness.

• Treatment:
  • Move to a warm place.
  • Remove wet clothes and cover with warm blankets.
  • Provide warm drinks (No alcohol).
  • In severe cases, use heated IV fluids.

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6. Hot and Cold Applications

A. Hot Applications

• Used for: Pain relief, muscle relaxation, increasing blood circulation.

• Examples: Warm compress, hot packs, heating pads, warm baths.

• Precautions: Avoid burns, do not use on open wounds, check skin regularly.

B. Cold Applications

• Used for: Reducing swelling, numbing pain, lowering body temperature.

• Examples: Ice packs, cold compress, cool baths.

• Precautions: Avoid frostbite, do not apply directly to skin for long periods.

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Conclusion

• Body temperature is essential for homeostasis.

• It is regulated by the hypothalamus and affected by various factors.

• Temperature can be measured at different sites using different methods.

• Abnormal temperatures require appropriate medical intervention.

• Hot and cold applications are useful for treatment in nursing and paramedics.