Hypothermia
Transcript: Hypthermia Hypothermia is a condition in which core temperature drops below the required temperature drops for normal metabolism and body functions. Body Temperture is usually maintained near a constant level of 36.537.5 C (98 F) Signs Symptoms The signs and symptoms vary depending on the degree of hypothermia and may be divided by the three stages of severity. Mild- Symptoms of mild hypothermia may be vague[13] with sympathetic nervous system excitation (shivering, hypertension, tachycardia, tachypnea, and vasoconstriction). These are all physiological responses to preserve heat. Cold diuresis, mental confusion, as well as hepatic dysfunction may also be present Moderate- Low body temperature results in shivering becoming more violent. Muscle mis-coordination becomes apparent. Movements are slow and labored, accompanied by a stumbling pace and mild confusion, although the victim may appear alert. Surface blood vessels contract further as the body focuses its remaining resources on keeping the vital organs warm. The victim becomes pale. Lips, ears, fingers and toes may become blue. Severe- Difficulty in speaking, sluggish thinking, and amnesia start to appear; inability to use hands and stumbling is also usually present. Cellular metabolic processes shut down. Below 30 °C (86 °F), the exposed skin becomes blue and puffy, muscle coordination becomes very poor, walking becomes almost impossible, and the victim exhibits incoherent/irrational behavior including terminal burrowing or even a stupor. Pulse and respiration rates decrease significantly, but fast heart rates (ventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation) can occur. Major organs fail. Clinical death occurs. Because of decreased cellular activity in stage 3 hypothermia, the body will actually take longer to undergo brain death. Causes Hypothermia usually occurs from exposure to low temperatures, and is frequently complicated by alcohol. Hypothermia most often occurs because of prolonged exposure to cold weather. Inadequate clothing for conditions may not provide enough insulation for the body to prevent heat loss Risk Factors There are numerous factors that increase the risk of hypothermia Age,Mental Status,Substance abuse,Medical Condition, Medications Can hypothermia be prevented? Hypothermia can be defined as a core body temperature less than 95 F or 35 C Shivering is one way the body generates heat to combat falling temperatures Treatment begins with removing the patient from the cold environment and providing warmth. Wet clothing should be removed as soon as possible and replaced with warm, dry covering. Heat Stroke The most common causes are heat stroke and adverse reactions to drugs. Heat stroke is an acute condition of hyperthermia that is caused by prolonged exposure to excessive heat or heat and humidity. Heat stroke is due to an environmental exposure to heat, resulting in an abnormally high body temperature By: Kathy Mitchell, Kevin Zarate,Sediqha Hashim Spark & (cc) image by nuonsolarteam on Flickr
Prezi Present
Prezi Video
Prezi Design
