Hyperthermia Nursing Care Plan
Hyperthermia is defined as elevated body temperature due to a break in thermoregulation that
arises when a body produces or absorbs more heat than it dissipates. It is a sustained core
temperature beyond the normal variance, usually greater than 39 °C (102.2 °F). Such elevations
range from mild to extreme; body temperatures above 40 °C (104 °F) can be life-threatening.
What’s the difference between hyperthermia and fever?
Hyperthermia is characterized by an uncontrolled increase in body temperature that exceeds the
body’s ability to lose heat with failure in hypothalamic thermoregulation. In contrast, fever
(pyrexia) is characterized by a temporary elevation of body temperature above the normal value
that is induced by cytokine activation (e.g., immune activation due to infection, inflammatory
diseases) and is regulated by the hypothalamus.
Common causes of hyperthermia result from the combined effects of activity and salt and water
deprivation in a hot environment, such as when athletes perform in scorching weather or when
older adults avoid using air conditioning because of expense. Hyperthermia may transpire more
quickly in persons who have endocrine-related problems, alcohol consumption, or take diuretics,
anticholinergics, or phototoxic agents. Common forms of accidental hyperthermia include heat
stroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps. Malignant hyperthermia is a rare reaction to common
anesthetic agents such as halothane or the paralytic agent succinylcholine. Those who have this
reaction, which is potentially fatal, have a genetic predisposition.
Certain individuals, such as the elderly, infants and young children, the obese, outdoor workers,
and those with chronic medical conditions, are at increased risk for developing a heat-related
illness. A thorough assessment of preoperative patients is necessary for prevention.
Causes of Hyperthermia
Here are some factors that may be related to Hyperthermia:
● Anesthesia
● Prolonged exposure to hot environment
● Illness or trauma
● Inability to sweat
● Increased metabolic rate
● Medications
● Vigorous activity
, Signs and Symptoms of Hyperthermia
Hyperthermia is characterized by the following signs and symptoms:
● Body temperature above the normal range
● Hot, flushed skin
● Increased heart rate
● Increased respiratory rate
● Loss of appetite
● Malaise or weakness
● Seizures
Goals and Outcomes
The following are the common goals and expected outcomes for Hyperthermia:
● Patient maintains body temperature below 39° C (102.2° F).
● Patient maintains BP and HR within normal limits.
Nursing Assessment and Rationales for
Hyperthermia
Assessment is necessary to identify potential problems that may have led to hyperthermia and
name any episode during nursing care.
1. Assess for signs of hyperthermia.
Assess for hyperthermia signs and symptoms, including flushed face, weakness, rash,
respiratory distress, tachycardia, malaise, headache, and irritability. Monitor for reports of
sweating, hot and dry skin, or being too warm.
2. Assess for signs of dehydration as a result of hyperthermia.
Look for signs of dehydration, including thirst, furrowed tongue, dry lips, dry oral membranes,
poor skin turgor, decreased urine output, increased concentration of urine, and weak, fast pulse.
3. Monitor the patient’s heart rate and blood pressure.
Hyperthermia is defined as elevated body temperature due to a break in thermoregulation that
arises when a body produces or absorbs more heat than it dissipates. It is a sustained core
temperature beyond the normal variance, usually greater than 39 °C (102.2 °F). Such elevations
range from mild to extreme; body temperatures above 40 °C (104 °F) can be life-threatening.
What’s the difference between hyperthermia and fever?
Hyperthermia is characterized by an uncontrolled increase in body temperature that exceeds the
body’s ability to lose heat with failure in hypothalamic thermoregulation. In contrast, fever
(pyrexia) is characterized by a temporary elevation of body temperature above the normal value
that is induced by cytokine activation (e.g., immune activation due to infection, inflammatory
diseases) and is regulated by the hypothalamus.
Common causes of hyperthermia result from the combined effects of activity and salt and water
deprivation in a hot environment, such as when athletes perform in scorching weather or when
older adults avoid using air conditioning because of expense. Hyperthermia may transpire more
quickly in persons who have endocrine-related problems, alcohol consumption, or take diuretics,
anticholinergics, or phototoxic agents. Common forms of accidental hyperthermia include heat
stroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps. Malignant hyperthermia is a rare reaction to common
anesthetic agents such as halothane or the paralytic agent succinylcholine. Those who have this
reaction, which is potentially fatal, have a genetic predisposition.
Certain individuals, such as the elderly, infants and young children, the obese, outdoor workers,
and those with chronic medical conditions, are at increased risk for developing a heat-related
illness. A thorough assessment of preoperative patients is necessary for prevention.
Causes of Hyperthermia
Here are some factors that may be related to Hyperthermia:
● Anesthesia
● Prolonged exposure to hot environment
● Illness or trauma
● Inability to sweat
● Increased metabolic rate
● Medications
● Vigorous activity
, Signs and Symptoms of Hyperthermia
Hyperthermia is characterized by the following signs and symptoms:
● Body temperature above the normal range
● Hot, flushed skin
● Increased heart rate
● Increased respiratory rate
● Loss of appetite
● Malaise or weakness
● Seizures
Goals and Outcomes
The following are the common goals and expected outcomes for Hyperthermia:
● Patient maintains body temperature below 39° C (102.2° F).
● Patient maintains BP and HR within normal limits.
Nursing Assessment and Rationales for
Hyperthermia
Assessment is necessary to identify potential problems that may have led to hyperthermia and
name any episode during nursing care.
1. Assess for signs of hyperthermia.
Assess for hyperthermia signs and symptoms, including flushed face, weakness, rash,
respiratory distress, tachycardia, malaise, headache, and irritability. Monitor for reports of
sweating, hot and dry skin, or being too warm.
2. Assess for signs of dehydration as a result of hyperthermia.
Look for signs of dehydration, including thirst, furrowed tongue, dry lips, dry oral membranes,
poor skin turgor, decreased urine output, increased concentration of urine, and weak, fast pulse.
3. Monitor the patient’s heart rate and blood pressure.
