Today’s Lecture

Vital Signs Overview/Context Temperature Pulse Blood Pressure Respiratory Rate Oxygen Saturation Pain

Assignment

T°Body Temp

hypothalamus -> thermoregulation

Core Temp temp of the deep tissues of the

body

Surface Temptemp of the surface of the body

T° SitesCore

RectumTympanic Membrane

OesophagusPulmonary arteryUrinary bladder

Surface

SkinAxillaeOral

Equipment

Glass/plastic/tympanic thermometer

Alcohol swab if required

Time required varies

Pen, vital sign record sheet

T° Process

Tollefson 2007 pp226-228

T° Process

Explanation Equipment & Environment Standard Precautions Previous Activity? Site Equipment Document Compare

T° Process

http://latnet.biz/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/mercury_thermometer.jpg

http://www.michigan.gov/images/mdch/Thermometer_broken_Final_217161_7.jpg

Effects on T°

Developmental stateCircadian rhythms

HormonesStress

EnvironmentNervous System ImpairmentMedications/Illicit Substances

Genetic

Circulatory impairmentIntegumentary impairment

InfectionExercise

Altered cognitive statesAltered nutrition

SmokingDrinking hot or cold food/fluid

Effects on T°

Normal Ranges Newborn: 35.5°-37.5°C

Adult:Oral TympanicRectalAxilla

36 – 37.2°C36 - 37.5°C36 - 37.5°C35.5 - 36.5°C

Older adult:Oral 35.5 – 36.5°C

Adapte

d f

rom

Wott

on (

200

9)

Figure 31-1

Crisp & Taylor 2009

Abnormal T°

Febrile

Pyrexia

Hyperpyrexia

Hypothermia

To ↓ T° ↓ Environmental T°

Electric Fan

Ice Chips/Cool Drinks

Tepid Shower/Sponge

Cotton Clothing/Linen

Antipyretic Medication

Today’s Lecture

Vital Signs Overview/Context Temperature Pulse Blood Pressure Respiratory Rate Oxygen Saturation Pain

Assignment