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Published on: November 21, 2017
Unintentional hypothermia: implications for perianesthesia nurses.
Shari M Burns1, Mary Wojnakowski, Kathy Piotrowski
1Nurse Anesthesia Program, Midwestern University, 19555 N 59th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA. sburns@midwestern.edu
Summary
Perioperative hypothermia, a core body temperature below 36°C, poses risks to surgical patients. Perianesthesia nurses face challenges in maintaining patient warmth, necessitating evidence-based prevention and management strategies for safe care.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Nursing
- Surgical Care
Background:
- Inadvertent hypothermia (core body temperature < 36°C) is a common complication during surgery and anesthesia.
- Despite documented risks, maintaining normothermia in surgical patients presents ongoing challenges for healthcare providers.
- Effective management of perioperative temperature requires a collaborative, team-based approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the physiological basis of intraoperative temperature changes.
- To identify key risk factors contributing to unintentional perioperative hypothermia.
- To outline evidence-based strategies for preventing and managing hypothermia in surgical patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on perioperative thermoregulation.
- Analysis of physiological factors influencing body temperature during surgery.
- Synthesis of clinical guidelines and best practices for hypothermia management.
Main Results:
- Understanding the physiology of temperature fluctuation is crucial.
- Several patient and procedural factors increase hypothermia risk.
- Proactive warming measures and timely interventions are essential.
Conclusions:
- Evidence-based practices are critical for preventing and managing perioperative hypothermia.
- Nurses play a vital role in maintaining thermal balance throughout the perioperative period.
- A multidisciplinary effort is necessary to ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes.
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