There are no reports of patient injury caused by warmed hospital
blankets. Even blankets taken from warmers operated at tempera-
tures up to 200°F have almost no effect on skin temperature
(osmag.net/z2DJmF). Heated blankets transfer very little energy to a
patient and cool substantially from the time you transport a blanket
from a warmer until you drape it on a patient.
3. Can you put fluids in the warming cabinet section?
a. yes b. no
Answer: b
Store IV and irrigation solutions, blankets and patient linens in separate
warming cabinets or in cabinets with separate compartments that have
independent temperature controls, per AORN Guidelines for
Perioperative Practices (osmag.net/T5nrWU). Label your blanket warmers
"FOR BLANKETS ONLY" to avoid confusion. ECRI Institute recommends heat-
ing surgical fluids to a maximum of 110°F. The guidance came in
response to reports of fluid being stored in blanket warming units, which
often heat contents to levels well above ECRI's suggested limit. Store irri-
gation and IV fluids in dedicated heating units and check the maximum
allowable temperature allowed by the manufacturers of whatever fluid
you're warming to ensure fluids are heated to an appropriate tempera-
ture.
4. Are you required to track and log
the daily temperatures for blanket warmers?
a. yes b. no
Answer: b
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