FUNDAMENTALS: CHAPTER 30: VITAL SIGNS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2022

. A patient has a head injury and damages the hypothalamus. Which vital sign will the nurse monitor most closely? a. Pulse b. Respirations c. Temperature d. Blood pressure - ANS: C Disease or trauma to the hypothalamus or the spinal cord, which carries hypothalamic messages, causes serious alterations in temperature control. The hypothalamus does not control pulse, respirations, or blood pressure. 2. A patient presents with heatstroke. The nurse uses cool packs, cooling blanket, and a fan. Which technique is the nurse using when the fan produces heat loss? a. Radiation b. Conduction c. Convection d. Evaporation - ANS: C Convection is the transfer of heat away from the body by air movement. Conduction is the transfer of heat from one object to another with direct contact. Radiation is the transfer of heat from the surface of one object to the surface of another without direct contact between the two. Evaporation is the transfer of heat energy when a liquid is changed to a gas. 3. The patient has a temperature of 105.2° F. The nurse is attempting to lower temperature by providing tepid sponge baths and placing cool compresses in strategic body locations. Which technique is the nurse using to lower the patient's temperature? a. Radiation b. Conduction c. Convection d. Evaporation - ANS: B Applying an ice pack or bathing a patient with a cool cloth increases conductive heat loss because of the direct contact. Radiation is the transfer of heat from the surface of one object to the surface of another without direct contact between the two. Evaporation is the transfer of heat energy when a liquid is changed to a gas. Convection is the transfer of heat away from the body by air movement. 4. A nurse is focusing on temperature regulation of newborns and infants. Which action will the nurse take?