Hypothermia and trauma

Hypothermia can induce profound physiologic changes. There are varying degrees of hypothermia, each requiring aggressive methods of treatment. Trauma patients have multisystem involvement, and hypothermia can increase the morbidity and mortality of the trauma patient. The degree of hypothermia is affected by age, severity of illness, environmental exposure, and the presence of open wounds. It is important for all nurses who work with trauma patients in the perioperative phase to incorporate the assessment and planning to prevent or minimize hypothermia in the trauma patient.