11.5: Factors Affecting Body Temperature
As a nurse, it is vital to understand the factors affecting body temperature to monitor variations and effectively evaluate deviations from regular.
Factors may include:
- • Age: Age is a significant factor in body temperature regulation. It's important to remember that different age groups, from newborns to older adults, have unique challenges. Newborns, for instance, have an immature mechanism that needs to respond more quickly and adequately to environmental changes, leading to significant temperature fluctuations. Similarly, older adults may struggle with temperature regulation due to various factors. Understanding these unique challenges can help us provide better care.
- • Exercise: Physical activity increases muscle activity, necessitating an enhanced blood supply and the breakdown of glucose and fat. This increase in metabolism elevates heat generation and body temperature. As the body breaks down glucose and fat for energy, heat is produced as a byproduct, increasing body temperature.
- • Hormonal Level: Women experience more body temperature fluctuations than men due to hormonal changes. For instance, progesterone levels increase during ovulation, raising body temperature. Progesterone stimulates the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates body temperature, to improve the set point. During menopause, fluctuations occur as vasomotor controls for vasodilation and vasoconstriction become unstable.
- • Circadian Rhythm: Body temperature naturally fluctuates by 0.5°C to 1°C (0.9°F to 1.8°F) over 24 hours, known as the circadian rhythm. It generally reaches its lowest point between 1:00 and 4:00 a.m. and peaks around 4:00 p.m. before dropping again. This rhythm is remarkably consistent and does not typically vary with age.
- • Stress: Both physical and mental stress can increase body temperature through hormonal and neurological responses, boosting metabolism and heat production.
- • Environment: Environmental conditions significantly influence body temperature. For example, the body may struggle to lose heat in a warm room, raising the body temperature. It is essential in hospital settings, where patients may be under warm blankets or in rooms with high ambient temperatures. Conversely, exposure to cold without adequate clothing can lead to significant heat loss through radiation and conduction, lowering body temperature. It is a concern in outdoor settings or when patients are not appropriately dressed for the weather.
- • Temperature Alterations: Nurses play a crucial role in managing temperature alterations. Deviations from the normal temperature range can result from various factors, such as excessive heat generation, heat loss, minimal heat production, slight heat loss, or any combination thereof. Conditions like fever, hypothermia, or frostbite are examples of body temperatures that significantly deviate from the norm. Nurses' understanding and intervention can make a significant difference in these situations.
