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Nursing Care Plan for Hyperthermia

The normal human body temperature in health can be as high as 37.7 °C (99.9 °F) in the late afternoon. Hyperthermia is defined as a temperature greater than 37.5–38.3 °C (100–101 °F), depending on the reference used, that occurs without a change in the body's temperature set point. (wikipedia)

Hyperthermia is elevated body temperature due to failed thermoregulation that occurs when a body produces or absorbs more heat than it dissipates.

Hyperthermia: Hyperthermia is an increase in body temperature in the context of an unchanged thermoregulatory point in the brain.

Common causes include heat stroke and adverse reactions to drugs. The former is an acute hyperthermia caused by exposure to excessive heat, or combination of heat and humidity, that overwhelms the heat-regulating mechanisms of the body causing uncontrolled elevation of body temperature.

Both one's general health and/or lifestyle may increase a person's chance of suffering a heat-related illness.

Symptoms of Hyperthermia

• Dry skin and mucus membranes
• Dehydration
• Meiosis
• Hallucinations or delirium
• Signs of heat exposure

Nursing Diagnosis : Hyperthermia 
related to :

• Infection
• Inflammation
• CNS Pathology
• Dehydration
• Impaired physical environment
• Exposure to heat/sun
• Vigorous activity

Evidenced by :

• Temperature over 38.8 C (101 F) rectally, or 37.8 C (100 F) orally.
• Loss of appetite
• Malaise/weakness
• Shivering/goose pimples
• Tachycardia
• Dehydration
• Warm to touch
• Flushed skin
• Increased respiratory rate

Goal :

• The patient will maintian normal body temperature.

Nursing Interventions :

• Administer antipyretics per physician's order.
• Assess possible etiology of increased temperature.
• Remove excess clothing or blankets.
• Assess temperature q ___ hours.
• Encourage fluids when indicated.
• Provide air condition/fan if appropriate.