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P R E V E N T I N G
H Y P O T H E R M I A
The good news is, research increasingly confirms that we can prevent many post-operative complications by maintaining normothermia
(core temperature of 36°C). And preventive measures are simpler and
more inexpensive than they've ever been, as they've become more
available. Test your knowledge of the various warming methods and
how they fit together with these 6 theoretical scenarios.
Patient 1: A healthy 55year-old woman with no preexisting peripheral vascular
disease, cardiac disease or
diabetes. She will undergo
screening colonoscopy
under conscious sedation. In
pre-op, her temperature is
The exposed
abdomen inherent in
open hernia repair
makes warming from
underneath a more
suitable choice.
36°C.
• Warming methods: Provide a warmed cloth blanket during admission, to be used from pre-op through to post-op. Provide a thermal
bouffant hat and socks, also to be worn throughout the perioperative
process. Check the patient's temperature in PACU to determine
whether she needs another blanket to regain body heat.
• Reasons: The procedure time is approximately 30 minutes — and
the risk of perioperative hypothermia is lower when procedures are
shorter than an hour. Patient has no pre-existing conditions and is
N O V E M B E R 2012 | O U T PAT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E
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