what is thermoregulation
- homeostasis that balances heat gain & loss
what is normothermia
36.5-37.2
what is hypothermia? what is mild, mod, and severe?
- low temp
- 34-36 = mild
- 30-34 = mod
- below 30 = severe
what is hyperthermia?
- high temp
- greater than 37.2
what is hyperpyrexia
- high temp greater than 41.5
what part of our body regulates heat
- hypothalamus
what happens in our body with increased temp
- blood vessels dilate = flushed
- sweat glands become more active
what happens in our body with decreased temp
- blood vessel constrict so heat is rapped in deeper tissues
- sweat glands less active
- skeletal muscles contract = shivering
in general, do older adults experience higher or lower temp
- lower
what are other temp changes in the older adult
- atypical presentation of infection
- unique set of changes with aging
- unique risk factors for older adults
- blunted fever response
what changes in thermoregulation are seen in the older adult
- decreased subcutaneous tissue
- inefficient vasoconstriction
- decreased shivering
- decreased sweating
- changes in sensation
what are risk factors for changes in thermoregulation
- certain medical conditions can increase risk of hypothermia
- certain medical conditions can increase risk of hyperthermia
- enviro factors
- lack of knowledge
- malnutrition
- meds
what medical conditions can increase risk of hyperthermia
- dehydration
- alcohol or alcohol withdrawal
- hyperthyroidism
- diabetic keto acidosis
describe assessment of temp
- important to know baseline body temp & daily patterns
- take note of small elevations in older adult
- meds can influence
- remember that absence of high temp does not mean an absence of infection
around what age do changes in temp regulation occur
- around 50-60 years old
- 75 years old = more severe changes
what are different routes to take temp? what is the most accurate?
- oral
- tympanic
- axillary
- rectal = most accurate
