Hypothermia Flashcards

Flashcards about environmental emergencies, specifically hypothermia.

Hypothermia

A condition described as a core body temperature below 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mild Hypothermia

Body temperature between 93-95 degrees Fahrenheit. Treatment involves moving the patient to a warm environment, removing wet clothing, and providing dry clothing and blankets.

Moderate Hypothermia

Body temperature less than 93 degrees Fahrenheit but above 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms include amnesia and confusion with a decreased ability to shiver. Patients should avoid physical activity to prevent EKG disturbances.

Severe Hypothermia

Body temperature below 86 degrees Fahrenheit, where the patient is often found unconscious and unresponsive. Handle the patient gently to avoid EKG disturbances. CPR and defibrillation can be performed.

Stimulated Rigor Mortis

A condition where a hypothermic patient might appear stiff with dead-on-arrival signs, but resuscitation attempts are favored because the patient is just stiff.