ALTERED BODY

TEMPERATURE

PRESENTED TO,

MRS. PRIYADARSINI JOHN

ASSOC. PROFESSOR

D.Y.P.S.O.N

INTRODUCTION

Body Temperature reflects the balance between the heat

produced and the heat lost from the body , and is measured in

the units called degrees .temperature can be expressed as c

and f. normal is 37ºc and 98.6ºf measured under tongue ,

axilla and rectum. The body continuously produces heat as a

by-product of metabolism . When the amount of heat

produced by the body equals the amount of heat lost , the

person is in heat balance.

PHYSIOLOGY OF BODY

TEMPERATURE

Neural and vascular control

Heat producing mechanism

1. Basal metabolism

2. voluntary movements

3. Shivering

4. Non- shivering thermogenesis

Heat loss

1. Radiation

2. Conduction

3. Convection

4. Evaporation

5. Skin

Behavioural control

ALTERATION OF BODY TEMPERATURE

A condition in which the normal regulation or exchange between

heat produced by the body and heat lost by the body is disturbed

in such condition either body temperature increases above the

normal or decreases below the normal set of point.

There are 2 two primary alterations in body temperature :

1. Pyrexia

2. Hypothermia

PYREXIA : Temperature above normal

97.4ºF – 99ºF. Temperature more than 105ºF

is hyperpyrexia.

TYPES OF FEVER

INTERMITTENT FEVER ALTERNATES REGULARLY BETWEEN A PERIOD OF NORMAL AND

ABNORMAL

REMITTENT FEVER FLUCTUATES > 20C ,ABOVE NORMAL BUT DOES NOT REACH NORMAL.

CONSTANT FEVER REMAINS CONSISTANTLY ELEVATED (< 20C )

RELAPSING FEVER TEMPERATURE NORMAL FOR ATLEAST A DAY , AGAIN FEVER.

RESOLUTION OF PYREXIA BY CRISIS

RETURNS TO NORMAL SUDDENLY.

RESOLUTION OF PYREXIA BYLYSIS

RETURNS TO NORMAL GRADUALLY

FEVER SPIKE A SHARP INCREASE IN BODY TEMPERATURE FOLLOWED BY A RAPID FALL.

TYPES OF PYREXIA

Hypothermia - below 95ºF (35ºC)

Subnormal - 95-98ºF (35 - 36.70ºC)

Low Pyrexia - 99-100ºF (37.2 - 37.8ºC)

Moderate Pyrexia – 100-103ºF (37.8 - 39.4ºC)

High Pyrexia – 103-105ºF (39.4 - 40.6ºC)

Hyper Pyrexia - 105ºF & above (40.6ºC & above)

STAGES OF PYREXIA

Onset or Invasion

Fastigium or Stadium

Deffervescence or Decline

CAUSES OF FEVER

CLINICAL MANIFESTATION

ONSET ( COLD OR CHILL PHASE)

Increased heart rate

Increased respiratory rate

Shivering

Pallor, cold skin

Complaints of feelings

Cyanotic nail buds

Goose flesh, appearance of the skin

Cessation of sweating

COURSE( STADIUM/FASTIGIUM PHASE)

Absence of chills

Skin that feels warm

Photosensitivity

Glass eyed appearance

Increased pulse and respiratory rate

Increased thirst

Mild to severe dehydration

Drowsiness, restlessness, delirium or convulsion

Loss of appetite

Malaise, weakness and aching muscles.

DECLINE AND DEFERVESCENCE (FLUSH PHASE)

Skin that appears flushed and feels warm

Sweating

Decreased shivering

Possible dehydration

NURSING DIAGNOSIS

Hyperthermia related to infection process or illness as

evidenced by fever spike

Activity intolerance related to generalized weakness.

Risk for impaired skin integrity related to obesity or

confinement to bed.

Risk for injury related to repetitive strain.

Fluid volume deficit related to excessive perspiration.

NURSING INTERVENTION

Regulation of body temperature.

Meeting the nutritional need.

Providing rest and sleep.

Maintenance of personal hygiene.

Safety factors.

Observation of the client.

CARE IN RIGOR

It is characterized by 3 stages:-

Cold stage

Hot stage

Stage of sweating.

CONCLUSION

Body temperature is the degree of hotness or coldness of

a body or environment . It is the somatic sensation of

heat or cold . It is the degree or intensity of heat of a body

in relation to external environment . Humans capable of

maintaining their body temperature with in narrow limits.