A patient who was found in the snow with impaired consciousness, no shivering, and a body temperature of 28°C is being transported by life flight helicopter to a hospital with rewarming resources. The patient warms to 30°C en route to the hospital, and the nurse cautions the team to move the patient gently, explaining that at this body temperature:
A) the bones are brittle and can fracture easily.
B) the skin is fragile and tears easily.
C) the heart is irritable and susceptible to ventricular fibrillation.
D) the muscles become rigid and can cause fractures and joint injury.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The heart is irritable and susceptible to ventricular fibrillation at low body temperatures, such as 30°C, making gentle handling crucial to prevent cardiac arrhythmias.

A Patient Who Was Found in the Snow with Impaired