Hypothermia in trauma: the nurse's role in recognition, prevention, and management

Trauma patients are at risk for a number of complications that can jeopardize their ability to withstand the effects of injury. A serious and common problem is hypothermia, which can be caused or exacerbated by interventions used in resuscitation, surgery, and postoperative care. The trauma nurse has a primary responsibility in recognizing and beginning therapy to correct this potentially lethal condition. Many nursing measures can be modified to help the patient retain body heat or provide an exogenous source of warmth.