hypothermic patients. Hypothermic patients have prolonged stays in
the PACU and delayed discharge from ambulatory facilities, all of
which can increase cost and decrease patient satisfaction.
8. Which statement about the cardiovascular effects of mild hypothermia is false?
a. It increases post-op myocardial oxygen demand.
b. It decreases cardiac output.
c. It causes ventricular fibrillation.
d. It causes a threefold increase in post-op cardiac morbidity.
c. The body reacts to even mild hypothermia by producing vasocon-
striction. As a result, increased vascular resistance leads to increased
blood pressure and myocardial afterload. This limits the ability of the
myocardium to con-
tract and decreases
cardiac output. Post-
operatively, if core
temperature is more
than 1°C below nor-
mal, the body acti-
vates the shivering
mechanism and places
a large demand on the
cardiovascular system.
Upon emergence,
adrenergic and meta-
bolic responses can
create an imbalance
between myocardial
6 3
J U N E 2 0 1 5 | O U T P A T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T
EC1730BL
combination warmer
ivNow-1
IV
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DC400L
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E n t h e r m i c s M e d i c a l S y s t e m s
ISO 13485:2003 Certified | 1-800-862-9276 | www.enthermics.com
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Streamline Patient Warming
f r o m a d m i s s i o n t o d i s c h a r g e
Warm fluids and blankets in bulk, then keep
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