Physiological Measurements
Physiological measurements
Body Temperature:
This is the body ability of the body to generate and get rid of heat. It is measured via the mouth, ear, forehead and armpit. The hypothalamus in the brain regulates body temperature. Body temperature is maintained by constant burning of fuel in cells. It burns carbohydrates and fat. This constant burning of fuel is a chemical reaction of carbohydrates/fat with oxygen. This will be converted to CO2, water and heat and it is due to that heat the body maintains its temperature.
• Average temperature = 36.5°C – 37.5°C, it varies by 0.3°C to 0.6°C throughout the day
• Low grade Pyrexia = 37.5 °C - 38 °C
• Moderate to high grade pyrexia = 38 °C - 39 °C
• Hyper-pyrexia = 40 °C and above
• Hypothermia = less than 35 °C
Pyrexia: this is known as fever, the body temperature falls between 37.5°C up to 39°C. The body temperature increases when the immune system is down.
Hyper-pyrexia: this is when the body temperature is 40 °C and above.
Hypothermia:
Respiratory rate:
This includes the airways and lungs which provide oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. It is recorded as breathes per minute. The normal respiratory rate for an adult is 18-20 breathes per minute. If it is above 25 and below 12 then it is considered abnormal. Asthma is a common disease which makes it hard to breathe. Lung cancer affects the respiratory rate and can cause death. Asthma, chest conditions, stroke, stress and anxiety, sore throat and coughs affect the respiratory rate.
Pulse rate:
Normal pulse rates limits: pulse rate is measured at beats per minute. To check for normal pulse rate it is measured while resting to get an accurate reading. The normal pulse rate in an adult is 60-80 beats per minute.
Factors affecting pulse rates – raising or lowering: Pulse rate varies from minute to minute due to many factors. Exercise, fever stress, weight, temperature and medication affect the pulse rate. Other factors such as smoking and drinking
Body Temperature:
This is the body ability of the body to generate and get rid of heat. It is measured via the mouth, ear, forehead and armpit. The hypothalamus in the brain regulates body temperature. Body temperature is maintained by constant burning of fuel in cells. It burns carbohydrates and fat. This constant burning of fuel is a chemical reaction of carbohydrates/fat with oxygen. This will be converted to CO2, water and heat and it is due to that heat the body maintains its temperature.
• Average temperature = 36.5°C – 37.5°C, it varies by 0.3°C to 0.6°C throughout the day
• Low grade Pyrexia = 37.5 °C - 38 °C
• Moderate to high grade pyrexia = 38 °C - 39 °C
• Hyper-pyrexia = 40 °C and above
• Hypothermia = less than 35 °C
Pyrexia: this is known as fever, the body temperature falls between 37.5°C up to 39°C. The body temperature increases when the immune system is down.
Hyper-pyrexia: this is when the body temperature is 40 °C and above.
Hypothermia:
Respiratory rate:
This includes the airways and lungs which provide oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. It is recorded as breathes per minute. The normal respiratory rate for an adult is 18-20 breathes per minute. If it is above 25 and below 12 then it is considered abnormal. Asthma is a common disease which makes it hard to breathe. Lung cancer affects the respiratory rate and can cause death. Asthma, chest conditions, stroke, stress and anxiety, sore throat and coughs affect the respiratory rate.
Pulse rate:
Normal pulse rates limits: pulse rate is measured at beats per minute. To check for normal pulse rate it is measured while resting to get an accurate reading. The normal pulse rate in an adult is 60-80 beats per minute.
Factors affecting pulse rates – raising or lowering: Pulse rate varies from minute to minute due to many factors. Exercise, fever stress, weight, temperature and medication affect the pulse rate. Other factors such as smoking and drinking