Select the statement below that best reflects the effects of hypothermia in the perianesthesia period.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Often hypothermia is not life-threatening; it does,however,cause physiologic stress.Hypothermia can prolong recovery time and contribute to postoperative morbidity.In the PACU,tremendous demands are made on the body when the patient shivers.Shivering can increase the need for oxygen by 300% to 400%.Other problems associated with hypothermia include intravascular volume loss attributable to a fluid shift from the extracellular space,probably related to vasoconstriction and the prolonged elimination of muscle relaxants in hypothermic patients.Clotting abnormalities can occur.Platelet activity declines,and fibrinolysis increases; both conditions enhance the tendency to bleed.

Select the Statement Below That Best Reflects the Effects of Hypothermia