UNDERSTANDING HYPOTHERMIA

Updated 2/25

Hypothermia, regardless of the cause, is considered
to be life-threatening. It is defined as a drop in core
temperature of less than 95*F(35*C) and may result
in death if left untreated.

Symptoms will depend on the degree of hypothermia.
A patient may have shivering , cold bluish lips and
extremities and slowly lapse into an unconscious state.

Trauma and prolonged exposure to cold in the outdoors
 may lead to hypothermia. Small children and the elderly
are also at risk. 

A Bair Hugger is an electrical warming blanket. 

It is used to keep a patient warm, as in the case
of the Operating Room where loss of body fluids
may cause hypothermia. It is also used in the PACU
for warming patients post surgery.

 

Learn more about: The Nursing Process

Learn more about: The importance of Therapy