Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 24, 2025
Esophageal Heat Transfer for Patient Temperature Control and Targeted Temperature Management
Published on: November 21, 2017
Effects of Transport on Oral Temperature of Postsurgical Patients Transported from PACU to Nursing Units
Kathy Dureault1, Elizabeth J Winokur1, Dana N Rutledge1
1Clinical Education Department, St. Joseph Hospital, Orange, CA.
Purpose:
To determine the impact of transport from the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) to inpatient nursing units on postsurgical patient temperature.
Design:
Exploratory correlational study.
Methods:
PACU discharge oral temperatures of postsurgical adult patients were compared with oral temperature at unit transfer.
Findings:
Temperatures on PACU discharge ranged from 97.3°F to 100.0°F (mean [M], 98.1 [0.5]), whereas those on unit arrival ranged from 97.3°F to 99.8°F (M, 98.0 [0.5]). Temperature differences between arrival and discharge ranged from -1.5°F to 0.9°F (M, -0.05 [0.34]); most showed decreases (n = 49; 52.7%). Correlations between temperature change and other variables (transport time, age, and gender) were less than 0.10 and nonsignificant.
Conclusions:
Transfers from the PACU to other hospital units may not clinically impact oral temperatures in postsurgical patients. However, post-transfer temperature should be monitored to assure that hypothermia does not occur.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Factors Affecting Body Temperature
Factors may include:
01:29Decreased Body Temperature
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Oral
Step 1:
Start by practicing proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Step 2:
Take the thermometer out of the charging unit, switch it on, and wait for the ready sign.
Step 3:
Gently slide the probe cover until a click is heard. This simple action prevents cross-contamination and ensures the correct placement of the probe cover.
Step 4:
Instruct the patient to open their mouth and place...
01:14Temperature Measurement Sites
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
01:19Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's...
01:27Assessing Body Temperature - Rectal
Follow these steps for rectal temperature assessment:
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don clean gloves to prevent cross-infection.
Step 2: Position the patient in a side-lying position to better visualize the rectal...