Define pyrexia and state another term used for it. 23. Differentiate between hyperthermia and hypothermia. 24. Explain why oral temperature should be taken 30 minutes after eating or drinking. 25. List five common sites for measuring body temperature. 26. State four contraindications for taking temperature by the oral route. 27. Differentiate between peripheral pulse and apical pulse.

Here are the answers to the questions:

22. Define pyrexia and state another term used for it.

• Pyrexia is the medical term for fever, which is an elevation of body temperature above the normal range.
• Another term used for it is fever.

23. Differentiate between hyperthermia and hypothermia.

• Hyperthermia is a condition where the body's temperature rises significantly above normal due to failed thermoregulation, often caused by environmental heat or strenuous activity, and the body is unable to dissipate heat.
• Hypothermia is a condition where the body's core temperature drops below $35 \text{ °C}$ ($95 \text{ °F}$), typically due to prolonged exposure to cold.

24. Explain why oral temperature should be taken 30 minutes after eating or drinking.
Eating or drinking hot or cold foods and liquids can temporarily alter the temperature of the oral cavity. Waiting 30 minutes allows the mouth temperature to return to the body's core temperature, ensuring an accurate reading.

25. List five common sites for measuring body temperature.

• Oral (mouth)
• Axillary (armpit)
• Rectal (rectum)
• Tympanic (ear)
• Temporal artery (forehead)

26. State four contraindications for taking temperature by the oral route.

• Unconscious or disoriented patients
• Infants and young children
• Patients with oral trauma or surgery
• Patients who have recently consumed hot or cold food/drink
• Patients who are mouth breathers or have nasal congestion
• Patients at risk for seizures

27. Differentiate between peripheral pulse and apical pulse.

• A peripheral pulse is a pulse felt at a peripheral artery (e.g., radial, carotid, femoral) that is distant from the heart. It reflects the heart rate and rhythm as blood is pumped through the arteries.
• An apical pulse is the pulse taken by listening directly over the apex of the heart with a stethoscope. It represents the actual beating of the heart and is often used when peripheral pulses are difficult to palpate or to assess for pulse deficits.