Temperature-Introduction
1) Basic measurements
2) Temperature control:
- production (3)
- absorption (1)
- expulsion (4)
Homeostasis-the body maintains a stable temperature. (Adult-37.5, Baby-38, 38.5 (not terrible))
The body controls heat in 3 ways:
1) Production
- metabolism
- blood vessel movement
- muscle movement
2) Absorption
- environment
3) Expulsion
- radiation
- ventilation
- evaporation (sweat)
- transportation (heat>cold)
Types of climate traumas (4)
Heat: 40+ (Cell structure change-Short term) -Dehydration -Heat Exhaustion -Heat Stroke
Cold: 35-
(Decline in metabolism speed-Long term)
-Hypothermia
Dehydration-Signs and Dangers
Signs
-Minor (4)
-Serious (3)
Dangers (2)
Definition: loss of fluids in body. (Sweat, vomit, diarrhoea)
Signs (minor):
- thirsty, dry mouth
- dizziness, headache, nausea
- irritated
- tachycardia, tachypnea
Signs (serious):
- very weak, motor difficulties
- bradypnea
- low level of consciousness (hallucinations, hearing disturbances)
Dangers:
- Cardiac arrhythmia (potassium deficiency)
- Hypovolemic shock
Heat Exhaustion-Signs (3)
Definition: weakness as a result of heat (early stage of heat stroke). It’s symptoms and treatment are almost identical to dehydration.
Signs:
- Diarrhoea
- Muscle spasm
- Syncope
Heat Trauma-Treatment (2)
1) Place patient in cool, shaded place (ambulance is great)
2) Drink water (IV if can’t drink)
* In case of seizures (heat stroke) treat like febrile seizures.
Heat Stroke-Signs (6)
Definition: brain damage from overheated body. (Hypothalamus disfunction, high temperature/humidity)
Signs:
- temperature >40.5
- hot, dry skin
- tachycardia then bradycardia
- low BP (loss of fluids)
- seizures
- decrease in consciousness
- Differential diagnosis through case details.
Hypothermia
- Causes (3)
- Types (2)
Causes:
- environment
- problems with thermal homeostasis (illness, elders and infants, alcohol)
- mix of both
Types:
- mild (32-35)
- serious (28-32)
Hypothermia-Signs
Mild (4)
Severe (4)
Signs-Mild:
- shivers
- tachycardia, tachypnea
- vasoconstriction
- apathetic, confused speech (neurological)
Signs-Severe:
- shivers stop (lack of energy)
- bradypnea
- cardiac arrhythmia
- loss of consciousness
Hypothermia-Treatment (3)
1) fresh, dry clothes and thermal blanket
2) turn on heating in ambulance-rub body to warm up
3) warm up IV (if possible to find vein)
* In case of CPR put in ambulance and resume until heat rises.
