When preparing a patient for transfer from the operating suite, the nurse notices that their temperature is 96.1 degrees and they are starting to shiver. Which of the following are potential adverse outcomes if the nurse does not correct this situation?
A)The patient may develop increased bleeding.
B)The patient may become combative and violent.
C)The patient may develop peripheral edema.
D)Both A and B

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient with hypothermia may develop increased bleeding. Hypothermia causes metabolic changes that affect how the body processes anesthesia and muscle relaxants. The patient may have an increase in blood clotting of the small vessels, diminishing the number of platelets and clotting factors in the body. This then produces the opposite effect of increased bleeding from the surgical site or other orifices.

When Preparing a Patient for Transfer from the Operating Suite