Low temperature: A lowered body temperature, where the body loses heat faster than it can produce heat.This is uncommon within an inpatient setting. Thermoregulation is overwhelmed by excessive metabolic production and environmental heat, in combination with impaired heat loss. Heat stroke: A presentation of severe hyperthermia.This occurs when the body produces and/or absorbs more heat than it can dissipate. Hyperthermia: An elevated body temperature due to failed thermoregulation.Some causes of fevers do not require medical treatment, whilst other causes need to be identified and treated. Pyrexia is also known as fever or febrile response. This is usually caused by infection or inflammation. Pyrexia: An elevated body temperature due to an increase in the body temperature’s set point.It is important to ascertain the baseline for individual patients in order to identify abnormal body temperature deviations. Normothermia: Body temperature within normal values.Įxact normal temperature ranges differ between individuals and can be influenced by some genetic and chronic medical conditions.To assist healthcare professionals in undertaking the appropriate assessment and potential management of neonatal and paediatric body temperatures, at The Royal Children’s Hospital. Therefore, minimising environmental factors within the hospital setting which may result in unnecessary body temperature fluctuations is further important. Maintaining a stable body temperature within normal ranges assists in optimising metabolic processes and bodily functions. Body temperatures outside normal ranges may be indicative of underlying disease processes or clinical deterioration, and should be identified within a timely manner. Temperature management remains a significant component of hospital care for all neonatal and paediatric patients.