Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 10, 2026

Esophageal Heat Transfer for Patient Temperature Control and Targeted Temperature Management
Published on: November 21, 2017
Management of postoperative hypothermia in the cardiovascular surgery intensive care unit: A qualitative study based
Ali Balkan1, Zeliha Ozdemir Koken1
1Surgical Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
Background:
Monitoring and managing postoperative hypothermia in patients undergoing cardiac surgery is essential. Nevertheless, little is known about nurses' experiences in assessing and managing postoperative hypothermia after cardiac surgery, highlighting the need for studies to explore their clinical experiences and perspectives.
Objective:
This study aimed to explore the experiences of cardiovascular surgery intensive care unit nurses in managing postoperative hypothermia after cardiovascular surgery.
Methods:
This interpretative/constructivist phenomenological study was conducted with 12 nurses working in a cardiovascular surgery intensive care unit. Data were collected through in-depth online interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire and analysed using content analysis. Participants were selected purposively to obtain diverse perspectives on postoperative hypothermia management.
Results:
Data analysis identified five themes and 35 sub-themes: clinical challenges associated with postoperative hypothermia, strategies for managing postoperative hypothermia, barriers to effective postoperative hypothermia management, strategies for achieving standardised practices and suggestions for improving postoperative hypothermia management. Nurses emphasised early recognition, continuous temperature monitoring and timely interventions to prevent postoperative hypothermia-related complications.
Conclusion:
To our knowledge, this is the first qualitative study focusing on postoperative hypothermia management in a cardiovascular surgery intensive care unit. Findings highlight the need for advanced warming technologies, ongoing staff education and standardised protocols. Enhancing healthcare professionals' knowledge and developing evidence-based protocols and care bundles are essential for optimising perioperative hypothermia management.Reporting:COREQ (the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research).
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management
Decreased Body Temperature
Factors Affecting Body Temperature
Factors may include:
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
Endotracheal Intubation II: Nursing Management
1. Nursing Care of Patients Before Intubation
Before the endotracheal intubation procedure, nurses play an essential role in ensuring the process goes smoothly. The nurses must be familiar with intubation...
Methods of reducing fever
Pharmacological Methods of Reducing Fever:

