THERMOREGULATION W5

Question 1

Why do the body thermoregulate?

Answer 1

1. To maintain homeostasis
2. Enzymes are dependent on optimal temperature to work
3. Without functioning of enzymes almost al of the processes involving creation, transformation and degeneration of substances in the body will not work - causing death

Question 2

Where is the body’s thermoregulation centre placed?

Answer 2

In the hypothalamus

Question 3

What are the mechanisms to avoid hyperthermia?

Answer 3

1. Activation of sweat glands (evaporation)
2. Vasodialation of the skin (radiation, convection, conduction)
3. Less metabolism (less heat production)
4. Behavioural changes (clothes off)

Question 4

Types of heat disposition?

Answer 4

1. Evaporation (sweat)
2. Radiation (IR)
3. Convection (air moving past)
4. Conduction (direct contact)

Question 5

What are the mechanisms to avoid hypothermia?

Answer 5

1. Vasoconstriction of the skin (Less heat loss to convection, conduction and radiation)
2. Muscle contractions (shivering heat production)
3. Behavioural changes (Add clothes, increase movement)

Question 6

Name the 4 types of variation in thermoregulation

Answer 6

1. Circadian (cold in the night, warm in the day)
2. Monthly (women, higher temp during mens cycle)
3. Long term (acclimatisation)
4. Individual body characteristics (fat)

Question 7

What is Heat exhaustion and why can it occur?

Answer 7

1. Excessive liquid loss through perspiration
2. Typically due to working in a hot environment

Question 8

Signs and symptoms of Heat exhaustion

Answer 8

1. Thirst
2. Sweaty red skin
3. Muscle cramps
4. Headache
5. Dizziness
6. Nausea/vomiting
7. Tachycardia
8. Syncope

Question 9

Treatment of heat exhaustion

Answer 9

1. Stop activity, move into shade, supine position
2. Remove excess clothes, cool with water and wind
3. Provide liquid and salts (usually orally)

Question 10

What is heat stroke and why can it occur?

Answer 10

It is a life threatening condition that happens when the thermoregulatory system has failed during heat

Question 11

What are the signs/symptoms of heat stroke?

Answer 11

1. Hyperthermia >40 degrees
2. Altered mental state (confusion -> coma)
3. Seizures
4. Tachycardia and or shock
5. Possible no more sweating

Question 12

What are the treatment for heat stroke?

Answer 12

1. Stop activity, move into shade, supine position
2. Remove clothes, cool body aggressively e.g. with ice and water
3. Provide liquids and salt (usually IV)
4. Check blood glucose
5. Beware of “water intoxication” (hypernatremia)
6. Treat seizures with midazolam

Question 13

What are the characteristics of fever?

Answer 13

Increased body temp due to infection. Usually fever defined as core temp above 38,5 degrees

Question 14

What are the reason for fever?

Answer 14

Fever results in improved conditions for the immune system and inhibits bacterial growth.

Question 15

What are the possible complications of fever?

Answer 15

1. Increased loss of liquids (0,5-1L per degree extra each day)
2. Too high temperatures causes enzymes to stop functioning

Question 16

What are the treatment for fever?

Answer 16

1. Antipyretics (paracetamol, ibuprofene)
2. Increased liquid intake

Question 17

Mild hypothermia (32-35 degrees) is treatable, but what are the symptoms?

Answer 17

1. Shivering
2. Foot stamping
3. Constricted peripheral blood vessels
4. Decreased RR
5. Dysarthria (speech problems)
6. Ataxia (cannot coordinate)
7. Cold diuresis

Question 18

What are some important points in the assessment of hypothermia

Answer 18

1. Keep high level of suspiciousness of hypothermia
2. If patient is cold and does not shiver (Temp <32 = not good)
3. Avoid further heat loss!!!
4. Reassess temp and glucose levels often
5. No patient is dead until warm and dead