An 80-year-old woman is undergoing total hip replacement surgery as treatment for severe osteoarthritis. During the procedure, the patient's core temperature falls to 31.6°C (88.9°F), necessitating interventions to address her hypothermia. The surgical team recognizes that there are likely multiple causes of patient's hypothermia. Which of the following factors would the team be most justified in ruling out as a contributor?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Unconsciousness in and of itself is not an identified contributor to surgical hypothermia. The cold environment, decreased vasoconstriction, and impaired thermoregulation resulting from an anesthetic are all potential contributors.

An 80-Year-Old Woman Is Undergoing Total Hip Replacement Surgery as Treatment