Question

Your written assignment for this module is a worksheet that describes the following:

• The difference between hypothermia and hyperthermia and the impact to the patient?
• Patient education for client and family in order to avoid extreme temperature variations?

Answer 1

Question No.1

The difference between hypothermia and hyperthermia and the impact to the patient?

Hypothermia

It is condition of potential drop in body temperature which can caused by exposure to cold temperature for a long time. The normal body temperature is 98.6 degree Faranheit. Extremely Less than this temperature can cause Hypothermia.

When body remain exposed to cold temperature all the body's 90% heat escaped through skin and remaining 10% heat used by lungs. Our temperature control unit i.e Hypothalamus in brain work on to raise body temperature by starting some processes like shivering, vasoconstriction etc.

Impact to the patient:

Generally Hypothermia works in three stages:

First stage Mild: In mild stage the temperature of body remains between 90 to 95 degree Faranheit (32.2 to 35 degree Celsius). In this condition blood pressure of patient rises, shivering, rapid breathing and heart rate, constricted blood vessels, fatigue, impaired judgment and confusion takes place.

Second stage Moderate: In moderate stage body temperature remains between 82.4 to 90 degree Faranheit (28 to 32.2 degree Celsius). In this condition following effects can be seen:

A. Low blood pressure

B.Irregular heartbeat.

C.Heart rate and breathing rate slower down.

D.Lower level of consciousness.

F.Decrease in reflexes.

Third stage Severe: In severe stage the temperature of body remains less than 82.4 degree Faranheit (less tgan 28 degree Celsius). This condition affecting patient by heart failure, pulmonary edema, very difficult breathing, no reaction in pupils.

Hyperthermia

Hyperthermia is a condition characterized by high body temperature. When body temperature increase body's heat regulation system can able to handle high temperatures. In severe Hyperthermia body temperature rise above 104 degree farnheit. The causes can be external as well as internal body. External are like more humidity with heat wave in environment. And can be internal medical conditions or reaction from some medications also.

Impact to the patient:

There are several undermentioned stages of Hyperthermia

A. Heat fainting: This can be considered as first stage of Hyperthermia. This effects on blood flow from body to brain,which lowering down the blood pressure.

B. Heat rash: Pimple like rashes appears on the skin if it remains exposed to hot environment for prolonged period and disappeared if cool down.

C. Heat cramps: This can occur due to imbalance of electrolytes ,when anyone do intense physical workout or exercise and cramps can be felt through legs,arms and abdomen.

D. Heat edema: This is condition when edema occurs on hands and legs due to prolonged exposure or standing in extremely hot conditions.

E. Heat exhaustion: This is critical and threshold condition in which body looses his ability to cool down itself. In this there are some symptoms like extreme thrust, cool and clammy skin, weakness and dizziness,rapid pulse and nausea.

F Heat stroke: This is the most critical and dangerous last stage of Hyperthermia. It can cause fainting, unconsciousness, mental impairment, and irregular heart beat. This stage can be fatal. The temperature of body rise above 104 degree farnheit.

Question No.2

Patient education for client and family in order to avoid extreme temperature variations:

Patient health education for Hypothermia and Hyperthermia:

1. Health education to risky groups like army soldiers, farmers, labourers to stay in normal temperature conditions. Breaks are necessary, cool down and rest if you could not bear temperatures. Rest after period of exposure to extreme temperatures is very necessary.

2. Do not stay for a prolonged period in extremely low or extremely high temperatures without prior arrangements.

3. Stay well hydrated to prevent both the conditions. It is very necessary to be hydrated in extremely high and humid temperatures because dehydration is main cause of mortality in Hyperthermia. Drink plenty of water which contains more electrolytes in extreme conditions.

4. Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing when outdoors to prevent Hyperthermia and wear heavy weight woolen clothes to prevent Hypothermia.

5. Exercise in normal conditions and do not exceed the limit, because main cause of heat exhaustion is too much exercise or workout.