c. When a person becomes angry or excited, the adrenal glands become very
active and the body warms as a result of the action of certain body chemicals such as
epinephrine.
d. Cold, shock, and certain drugs, which depress the nervous system,
decreases heat production.
e. The hypothalamus is the body's thermostat. It is located in the central
nervous system at the base of the brain. This heat-regulating center in the brain senses
any changes in the temperature of blood it receives and makes the appropriate
adjustments.
f. Heat loss occurs through the following:
(1)
Conduction--direct physical contact with an object.
(2) Convection--when body heat warms surrounding air which rises and is
replaced by cooler air.
(3)
Radiation--body heat warms surrounding objects without physical
contact.
(4) Evaporation--perspiration that is removed from the body surface by
change from a liquid to a vapor.
4-6.
NORMAL BODY TEMPERATURE
A thermometer is placed in the patient's mouth to obtain an oral temperature, in
the anal canal to obtain a rectal temperature, and in an axilla (armpit) to obtain an
axillary temperature. Table 4-1 shows the average normal temperature for well adults
at these various body sites.
ORAL
RECTAL
AXILLARY
98.6o F
99.5o F
97.7o F
37.0o C
37.5o C
36.5o C
Table 4-1. Average, normal temperatures for well adults..
MD0906
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