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 RETURNS TO NORMAL SUDDENLY.

CRISIS

RESOLUTION OF PYREXIA BY RETURNS TO NORMAL GRADUALLY

LYSIS

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.