BODY TEMPERATURE

Importance of maintaining normal body temperature

Importance of maintaining normal body temperature

Body Temperature

The assignment covers the importance of normal body temperature. In addition to this, the assignment also covers the reasons it is essential to maintain a normal body temperature and the tympanic membrane thermometer instrument at all times. The patient's name has been changed to maintain confidentiality in accordance with Nursing and Midwife Council NMC (2008). The emphasise of the paper is to focus on discussion relating to conserving of the heat that the body needs, and releasing unwanted heat thought processes of evaporation. The paper also covers on how the body will respond to a patient who suffers from high temperature that is because of certain infections.

High Body Temperature

The generating of heat and the release of excess heat from the body can be defined as normal body temperature. It is important that the temperature of our body is always constant and equal, so that the generation of heat, balances the loss of heat. The blood vessels dilate if the temperature in our body is too high so that heat can be carried to the surface of the skin. However, if the body temperature is too low, the blood vessels will contract, leading the blood flow in the skin to reduce so that body heat is conserved. A normal body temperature range is 36 -37.5o depending on the site and thermometer used (Laupland, KB. Pp. 273-278).

Effects of High Body Temperatures

It is important that the body temperature remains constant because temperature affects the enzymes activity and the chemical reactions in the body. The enzymes will denature and not be able to function, and the cells will be impaired, or permanent damaged if the temperature rises above 37.5o C. If the patient's temperature increases, it is usually the body's reaction to an ...