While there is limited research in
establishing the maximum temper-
atures for blanket warming cabi-
nets, ECRI Institute, an independ-
ent health device research firm in
suburban Philadelphia, recom-
mends a maximum temperature of
130°F and a temperature range of
120° to 130°F +/- 5°. That may be a
safe threshold, but evidence to
support it is lacking. In fact, a
study published in the Journal of
Perianesthesia Nursing indicates
blankets lose heat quickly over
time, patients prefer blankets
warmed at higher cabinet temper-
atures and, most importantly, patients can safely receive 1 or 2 unfold-
ed blankets warmed in 200°F cabinets. (osmag.net/NEm4Et). The study's
authors stop short of suggesting you set your cabinets to that higher
temperature. "Evaluate the research and consider your patient popu-
lation," say Patricia A. Kelly, DNP, RN, CNS, AGN-BC, AOCN, and
Susan Cooper, BSN, RN, CPAN, of Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital
in Dallas. "The important goal is to establish cabinet temperatures
based on evidence, while at the same time maintaining patient com-
fort and safety."
2. Is a warmed blanket likely to burn a patient?
a. yes b. no
Answer: b
1 1 6 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • M A R C H 2 0 1 6
• HOT TOPIC The recommended maximum temperature for
warming cabinets is 130°F.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN
