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Infants and elderly individuals have compromised thermoregulation mechanisms, making them more susceptible to temperature changes. Infants have higher body surface area to body weight ratio, leading to faster heat loss. Elderly individuals might have decreased ability to regulate body temperature due to age-related physiological changes and chronic health conditions.

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What does a temperature of 36.8 mean for a 76 year old patient?

A temperature of 36.8 degrees Celsius falls within the normal range for body temperature. However, in elderly patients, any changes in temperature should be monitored closely as they may have a weakened immune system and be more vulnerable to infections. It is important to consider the individual's overall health and any other symptoms they may be experiencing.


Why are elderly people less likely to maintain body temperature?

The main cause is the decrease in subcutaneous fatty tissue or fat just below the skin. This fatty layer, in temperature regulation, helps to insulate the body from heat leaving the body as well as cold entering the body from the environment.


Why are the elderly more susceptible to becoming dehydrated?

Decreased sense of thirst, smell, taste; decreased salivation; difficulty swallowing food; delayed esophageal and gastric emptying; and reduced gastric emptying all contribute to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.


Is oral temp of 100.9 a cause for worry in a 96 year old?

The elderly have a decreased ability to generate body heat, which is why they often complain of it being cold when everyone else is comfortable. This also means that a temp lower than 100.9 might bring fever symptoms and complications in an older person. In addition, older folks are more prone to dehydration which is the main complication resulting from prolonged fever. With those factors in mind, any temperature over 99.1 in an elderly patient warrants close observation and the implementation of treatment measures to prevent dehydration, such as increased fluid intake and possibly even IV therapy. If any fever lasts for more than three days, is unrelieved by common measures, or worsens, contact your physician.


Why do infants have increased respiratory rates?

Infants have increased respiratory rates compared to adults because their lungs are smaller and less efficient at exchanging oxygen, requiring more frequent breaths to meet their metabolic needs. Additionally, infants have underdeveloped respiratory control centers in the brain, leading to a faster respiratory rate to maintain proper oxygen levels.

Related Questions

Why are infants and elderly more susceptible to temperature changes than other people?

Infants and elderly people have underdeveloped or weakened regulation mechanisms in their body, such as reduced ability to produce heat or maintain body temperature. Their skin is also more sensitive to temperature changes, making them more vulnerable to extreme temperatures. Additionally, infants and elderly individuals may have compromised health conditions or medications that affect how their bodies respond to temperature variations.


What newborns are most susceptible to GBS infection?

Although premature infants are more susceptible to GBS, 75% of infected infants are full-term.


What two groups of people are more at risk from hypothermia and why?

Two groups at higher risk of hypothermia are the elderly and infants. Elderly individuals have decreased ability to regulate body temperature due to a lower metabolic rate and thinner skin. Infants have a larger body surface area relative to their weight, which leads to faster heat loss and their immature thermal regulation system increases vulnerability to hypothermia.


Why is younger person less susceptible to the effects of alcohol as compared to an elderly person?

younger person has more blood in their system


Why is a. Younger person less susceptible to the effects of alcohol as compared to an elderly person?

younger person has more blood in their system


Why is a younger person less susceptible to the effect of alcohol as compared to an elderly person?

younger person has more blood in their system


Why is a younger person less susceptible to the effects of alcohol as compared to an elderly person?

younger person has more blood in their system


Who might be more vulnarble to get food poisoning?

Anyone is susceptible, but more so with the very young, the elderly and the immunocompromised.


Can being too hot cause high blood pressure especially in the elderly who tend to be cold and need more heat because of blood thinners and other medications?

Yes, being too hot can cause high blood pressure in any human; age does not matter. The elderly are more susceptible to this because their body temperature cannot adjust as quickly as a younger persons can.


Why is it recommended that older adults and children get vaccinated first when a vaccine is on short supply?

Their immune systems are weaker and if they were to get whatever the vaccination was supposed to prevent or at least minimize, the results would be much worst for them. Small children, particularly infants, and the elderly are more likely to have serious consequences if they contact a disease.


A premature infant typically lacks subcutaneous adipose tissue?

Yes, that is correct. Premature infants often have underdeveloped subcutaneous fat due to being born before they have had sufficient time to accumulate fat in utero, which can make them more susceptible to temperature regulation challenges and increased risk of hypothermia.


Should i give my elderly dog vaccines?

Yes, as the older an animal gets, the immune system weakens, therefore they're more susceptible to diseases and are more likely to die fighting them-as they have less energy too.