Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

13:21
Determining heat and mechanical pain threshold in inflamed skin of human subjects
Published on: January 14, 2009
Taking the hot seat
1Carol Banks was RCN library and information services manager at the time of writing and is now an independent management consultant and trainer.
Abstract:
An effective person in the chair is key to successful meetings, says Carol Banks.
Related Concept Videos
Responses to Heat and Cold Stress
Every organism has an optimum temperature range within which healthy growth and physiological functioning can occur. At the ends of this range, there will be a minimum and maximum temperature that interrupt biological processes.
Assessing Body Temperature - Oral
Here are the steps to accurately measure oral temperature using an electronic thermometer:
Step 1:
Start by practicing proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Step 2:
Take the thermometer out of the charging unit, switch it on, and wait for the ready sign.
Step 3:
Gently slide the probe cover until a click is heard. This simple action prevents cross-contamination and ensures the correct placement of the probe cover.
Step 4:
Instruct the patient to open their mouth and place...
Step 1:
Start by practicing proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Step 2:
Take the thermometer out of the charging unit, switch it on, and wait for the ready sign.
Step 3:
Gently slide the probe cover until a click is heard. This simple action prevents cross-contamination and ensures the correct placement of the probe cover.
Step 4:
Instruct the patient to open their mouth and place...
Assessing Body Temperature - Rectal
Rectal temperature measurement is considered the most precise method for assessing core body temperature and typically registers higher than oral temperature. For adults, the rectal thermometer should be inserted 1 to 1.5 inches into the rectum to obtain the most accurate reading.
Follow these steps for rectal temperature assessment:
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don clean gloves to prevent cross-infection.
Step 2: Position the patient in a side-lying position to better visualize the rectal...
Follow these steps for rectal temperature assessment:
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don clean gloves to prevent cross-infection.
Step 2: Position the patient in a side-lying position to better visualize the rectal...
Assessing Body Temperature - Axilla
Procedural Guide for Assessing Axillary Body Temperature using a Digital Thermometer:
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and put on clean gloves to maintain infection control and prevent cross-contamination.
Step 2: Prepare the patient by explaining the procedure to ensure understanding and cooperation. Ensure privacy, expose the axilla, and inform the patient that minimal movement is crucial for an accurate reading.
Step 3: Adjust the patient’s clothing to expose only the axilla. It minimizes...
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and put on clean gloves to maintain infection control and prevent cross-contamination.
Step 2: Prepare the patient by explaining the procedure to ensure understanding and cooperation. Ensure privacy, expose the axilla, and inform the patient that minimal movement is crucial for an accurate reading.
Step 3: Adjust the patient’s clothing to expose only the axilla. It minimizes...
Thermal Stress
If the temperature of an object is changed while it is prevented from expanding or contracting, the object is subjected to stress. The stress is compressive if the object expands in the absence of constraint and tensile if it contracts. This stress resulting from temperature change is known as thermal stress. It can be quite large and can cause damage. To avoid this stress, engineers may design components so they can expand and contract freely. For instance, on highways, gaps are deliberately...
Heat Capacity: Problem-Solving
The heat capacity of a gas is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a unit mass of gas by one degree Celsius. It is an important thermodynamic property of gases, and its determination is essential in many industrial and scientific applications. Here are the steps to solve problems related to the heat capacities of gases:
Determine the type of gas: The heat capacity of a gas depends on its molecular structure and the degree of freedom of its molecules. Different types of...
Determine the type of gas: The heat capacity of a gas depends on its molecular structure and the degree of freedom of its molecules. Different types of...

