NURS 471 Lecture Notes - Lecture 13: Pethidine, Mydriasis, Antiemetic
Document Summary
Prolonged exposure to heat over hours or days that results in dehydration. Blood accumulates in skin in order to decrease temp, causing a decrease in circulating blood volume, decreasing cerebral blood flow, leading to syncope. Thermoregulatory mechanisms cannot compensate: sweating, increased respirations, Increased risk with age, certain meds (diuretics), diseases. Nursing care: monitor abcs, priority care: fluid & electrolyte replacement. Normal saline iv solution if oral solutions are not tolerated: place patient in cool area and remove constrictive (tight) or unnecessary clothing, place moist sheet over patient to decrease core temperature, fans, cool compresses, Altered mentation, absence of perspiration, and circulatory collapse can follow. Cerebral edema and hemorrhage may occur as a result of direct thermal injury to the brain. Death directly r/t duration of increased temp. Initially: vasodilation, increased sweating, and respiratory rate deplete fluids and electrolytes, specifically sodium. Eventually: sweat glands stop functioning, and core temperature increases (>104 f [40 c]).
