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Body Temperature Assessment for Exertional Heat Stroke

Presented by Susan Yeargin

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This course will provide an in-depth focus on how to examine a patient for exertional heat stroke (EHS). This will include differential diagnosis from other conditions that could present as EHS, central nervous system dysfunction assessment, and body temperature assessment. Body temperature assessment will focus predominately on the use of rectal thermometry; including policy development, implementation, and specific clinical setting barriers with solutions.

Meet your instructor

Susan Yeargin

Susan Yeargin is an associate professor of athletic training at the University of South Carolina. She serves on NATA’s pronouncements and research committees. She was a task force member and author of the “Preseason Heat-Acclimatization Guidelines for Secondary School Athletics” and a coauthor of the recent NATA position…

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Chapters & learning objectives

Differential Diagnosis

1. Differential Diagnosis

Defining EHS as compared to other types of hypothermia will be done in order to lay the foundation of why different temperature assessments are needed. Differential diagnosis from similarly presenting conditions will also be covered. The primary diagnostic criteria and clinical manifestation of exertional heat stroke will be reviewed throughout.

Central Nervous System Dysfunction Assessment

2. Central Nervous System Dysfunction Assessment

Central nervous system dysfunction is one of two key diagnostic criteria in exertional heat stroke. Central Nervous System dysfunction may manifest in a variety of ways depending on the individual patient. Understanding the range of symptoms is important in order to recognize exertional heat stroke quickly.

Body Temperature Research

3. Body Temperature Research

Examining the difference between core and shell temperature will provide a foundation to understand why temperature measurement devices provide different results. Key research examining different methods of body temperature assessment will be discussed in detail. The validity of devices will be concluded in light of the research results.

Body Temperature Assessment

4. Body Temperature Assessment

The only two measurements that can accurately assess exertional heat stroke (rectal thermometry and telemetric sensors) in the field will be focused upon. Presentation of needed equipment will be showcased for both measurement methods. A detailed description and demonstration of how to conduct a rectal thermometry assessment in clinical practice will be covered.

Administrative Logistics to Body Temperature Assessment

5. Administrative Logistics to Body Temperature Assessment

Purchasing, education, authorization forms, and legal nuances will be discussed when using rectal thermometry in various clinical settings. Development of policies that include rectal thermometry will be covered.