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Prep for Success Thermoregulation, Study Guides, Projects, Research of Nursing

Prep for Success Thermoregulation

Typology: Study Guides, Projects, Research

2023/2024

Available from 08/29/2024

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Prep for Success- OLDER ADULT THERMOREGULATION
Thermoregulation is a complex adaptive response that involves many internal and
external influences. Internal conditions that affect thermoregulation include metabolic
rate, pathologic processes, muscle activity, peripheral blood flow, amount of
subcutaneous fat, central nervous system function, the temperature of the blood flowing
through the hypothalamus, and effects of medications and other bioactive substances.
External influences on thermoregulation include environmental temperature, humidity
level, airflow, and the type and amount of clothing and covering used.
What part of the brain regulates core body temperature? Hypothalamus
List AGE-RELATED changes that interfere with an older adult’s ability to respond to
COLD temperatures: (p.525)
1. Inefficient vasocontraction
2. Decreased cardiac output
3. Deceased muscle mass
4. Diminished peripheral circulation
5. Deceased subcutaneous tissue
6. Delayed
7. And diminished shivering
In SUM, the overall effect (functional consequences) are (p.526)
1. Dulled perception of cold
2. and concomitant lack of stimulus to initiate protective actions such as adding
more clothing or raising the environmental temperature.
List 5 AGE-RELATED changes that interfere with an older adult’s ability to respond to
heat stress:
1. Higher threshold for the onset of sweating
2. Diminished response when sweating occurs
3. Dulled sensation of warm environments
4. Renal and cardiovascular changes
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Prep for Success- OLDER ADULT THERMOREGULATION Thermoregulation is a complex adaptive response that involves many internal and external influences. Internal conditions that affect thermoregulation include metabolic rate, pathologic processes, muscle activity, peripheral blood flow, amount of subcutaneous fat, central nervous system function, the temperature of the blood flowing through the hypothalamus, and effects of medications and other bioactive substances. External influences on thermoregulation include environmental temperature, humidity level, airflow, and the type and amount of clothing and covering used. What part of the brain regulates core body temperature? Hypothalamus List AGE-RELATED changes that interfere with an older adult’s ability to respond to COLD temperatures: (p.525)

  1. Inefficient vasocontraction
  2. Decreased cardiac output
  3. Deceased muscle mass
  4. Diminished peripheral circulation
  5. Deceased subcutaneous tissue
  6. Delayed 7. And diminished shivering In SUM, the overall effect (functional consequences) are (p.526)
  7. Dulled perception of cold
  8. and concomitant lack of stimulus to initiate protective actions such as adding more clothing or raising the environmental temperature. List 5 AGE-RELATED changes that interfere with an older adult’s ability to respond to heat stress:
  9. Higher threshold for the onset of sweating
  10. Diminished response when sweating occurs
  11. Dulled sensation of warm environments
  12. Renal and cardiovascular changes
  1. Dished thirst sensation, which can lead to inadequate fluid intake In SUM, the overall effect (functional consequences) are: Even healthy older adults are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses b/c they are less able to adapt to hot environments. List Conditions that pre-dispose an older adult to hypothermia that DECREASE HEAT production: (p.526)
  2. The risk for hypothermia is increased by conditions that decrease heat production (e.g., inactivity, malnutrition, endocrine disorders, neuromuscular conditions)
  3. increase heat loss (e.g., burns, vasodilation), or affect the normal thermoregulatory process (pathologic conditions of the central nervous system).
  4. Medical disorders that predispose to hypothermia include stroke, sepsis, dementia, malnutrition, renal failure, Parkinson disease, and endocrine disorders (e.g., diabetes).
  5. Diabetes is associated with increased rates of acute myocardial infarction and poor glycemic control in conditions of colder temperatures
  6. Medications and alcohol can predispose a person to hypothermia by suppressing shivering, inducing vasodilation, or affecting the central nervous system. Excessive use of alcohol can increase the risk for hypothermia by dulling sensory perceptions and interfering with cognitive skills necessary for initiating protective behaviors. That INCREASE HEAT LOSS:
  7. physiologic alterations that increase internal heat production (e.g., hyperthyroidism) or
  8. interfere with the ability to respond to heat stress (e.g., cardiovascular disease, fluid or electrolyte imbalance). Recent studies indicate that diabetes and circulatory disorders significantly increase the risk for heat-related illness and excess mortality during the warmest months In addition,

When your patient is sick or healthy? Healthy Route(s)? Many thermometers are available now, just make sure to document the route How many times in one day? at different times of the day How many days in a row? for several days when they are feeling well Describe core body temperature fluctuation: Body temp. measurements show a diurnal fluctuation of 1F to 2F w/ lower temps during sleeping and greater fluctuations during periods of fever induced illness.  B/c older adults normally have a lower body temp. and may have a diminished febrile response to infection, it is especially important to determine the persons usual temp. as well as to characterize the usual pattern if diurnal variation. ASSESSMENT: HYPOTHERMIA - Recognize assessment findings other than temperature: (p.531)

  1. Cool skin in unexposed areas, such as the abdomen and butticks, us a distinguishing characteristic of hypothermia
  2. Atypical: “may not shiver or complain of feeling cold
  3. As untreated hypothermia progresses, additional signs may include lethargy
  4. Slurred speech
  5. Mental changes
  6. Impaired gait
  7. Puffiness of the face
  8. Slowed or irregular pulse
  9. Low bp
  10. Slowed tendon reflex
  11. Slow and shallow respirations

Severe stages of hypothermia are characterized by muscular rigidity, diminished urinary function, and a progression of all other manifestations to the point of stupor and coma. The skin will feel very cool and, contrary to what might be expected, the color of the skin will be pink. Also contrary to what might be expected, a hypothermic person may not shiver, particularly if the body temperature is below 90°F (32.2°C). Describe the most reliable indicator of elevated temperature in an older adult: (p.531) “An increase of 2F (1C) above the persons baseline What could you teach an older adult to promote health thermoregulation? (p.532- 33)

  1. Maintain adequate fluid intake by drinking 8 to 10 glasses of noncaffeinated, nonalcoholic liquid daily.
  2. Do not rely on your thirst sensation as an indicator of the need for fluid.
  3. Eat small, frequent meals rather than heavy meals.
  4. Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages, such as cola and coffee.
  5. Avoid drinking alcohol.
  6. In cold weather, engage in moderate physical exercise and indoor activities to increase circulation and heat production.