A 92-year-old man is scheduled for emergency surgery for a strangulated scrotal hernia.He is thin and frail with a preoperative body temperature of 97.2° F.His skin is pink,and he is not shivering even though he states that he is cold.The perioperative nurse and the anesthesia provider have planned for the patient's hypothermia before he was transferred to the OR.What are the appropriate actions the nurse can take to raise the patient's core temperature?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Use active warming intraoperatively by applying a warming system.Use warm blankets during transport to the OR,and replenish as needed throughout the perioperative period (include the patient's feet within blanket covering).Adjust and maintain ambient room temperature at comfortable levels.Use warmed irrigation and preparation solutions (as recommended by the manufacturer).Administer warmed blood and blood products and intravenous fluids at room temperature.Identify risk factors for unplanned hypothermia.Place a warmed sheet on the OR bed before patient transfer.Monitor the patient's temperature.Provide additional head covering (cloth,plastic,or reflective)during surgical procedures.Minimize exposure of the patient.Remove wet linens before transport to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU).

A 92-Year-Old Man Is Scheduled for Emergency Surgery for a Strangulated