Altered Body Temperature Care Plan

Assessment

Assess the patient’s temperature, skin color, moisture, and capillary refill. Note any signs of shivering, sweating, or pallor. Assess the patient’s level of consciousness, orientation, and behavior.

Interventions

Hypothermia

• Warm the patient slowly and gently using blankets, warm packs, or a heating pad set on low.
• Give the patient warm fluids to drink.
• Monitor the patient’s temperature closely and adjust the warming measures as needed.
• If the patient is shivering, encourage them to move around to generate body heat.
• If the patient is unresponsive, seek medical attention immediately.

Hyperthermia

• Cool the patient quickly and effectively using cool packs, ice baths, or fans.
• Give the patient cool fluids to drink.
• Monitor the patient’s temperature closely and adjust the cooling measures as needed.
• If the patient is sweating, encourage them to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
• If the patient is unresponsive, seek medical attention immediately.

Evaluation

The patient’s temperature should be within normal limits. The patient’s skin color should be normal and the skin should be moist and warm. The patient’s capillary refill should be normal. The patient should be alert and oriented and should be able to follow commands.

Documentation

Document the patient’s temperature, skin color, moisture, and capillary refill. Note any signs of shivering, sweating, or pallor. Document the patient’s level of consciousness, orientation, and behavior. Document the interventions that were used to treat the patient’s altered body temperature. Document the patient’s response to the interventions.

Additional Information

Altered body temperature can be a sign of a serious medical condition. It is important to seek medical attention if the patient’s temperature is outside of the normal range or if the patient is experiencing any other symptoms, such as shivering, sweating, pallor, or confusion.

There are a number of things that can cause altered body temperature, including:

• Exposure to extreme heat or cold
• Infection
• Certain medications
• Medical conditions, such as diabetes or thyroid disease

Treatment for altered body temperature will depend on the underlying cause. In some cases, treatment may involve simply providing supportive care, such as warm blankets or cool fluids. In other cases, treatment may involve more aggressive measures, such as antibiotics or surgery.