ABSTRACT
After reading the following chapter and undertaking personal study, you should be able to
Distinguish between heat and temperature.
Define the terms ‘latent heat of fusion’ and ‘latent heat of vaporisation’.
Outline the Celsius and Kelvin scales for the measurement of temperature.
Describe various temperature-measurement devices used in clinical practice, including the mercury-in-glass thermometer, the thermistor and the tympanic membrane thermometer.
Distinguish between core and peripheral body temperature and give examples of importance to clinical practice.
Discuss some of the factors that influence body temperature in health.
Describe the procedure for taking body temperature with a thermistor and a tympanic membrane thermometer, and discuss the effects of site and duration of measurement upon the value obtained.
Describe four physical processes by which heat is transferred, and relate these to the body.
Describe the mechanisms of temperature homeostasis.
Discuss the causes, effects and management of pyrexia, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and hypothermia.
