Hypothermia

hypothermia

abnormally low body temp

what can result in hypothermia?

• impaired perception of cold

• exposure to cold environment

• immersion in cold water

• lack of adequate clothing/shelter/heat

• chronic conditions

• after anesthesia

• newborn

hypothermia can occur due to an _____ of cold

impaired perception

chronic conditions that can cause hypothermia

• alcoholism

• malnutrition

• hypothyroidism

why are alcoholics at higher risk for hypothermia?

decreased energy / low metabolism

why are people with malnutrition at higher risk for hypothermia?

less body fat to insulate them

people at high risk for hypothermia

• newborns + elderly

• people who live in cold environments

• people after anesthesia

• people with malnutrition (really skinny)

what happens to respirations in hypothermia?

it decreases

what happens to pulse in hypothermia?

becomes weak and irregular

what happens to blood pressure in hypothermia?

it becomes low

what does hypothermia do to the skin?

makes it pale, cool, and waxy

how does hypothermia affect the muscles?

causes lack of muscle coordination

what can drowsiness from hypothermia progress into?

a coma

how does hypothermia affect orientation?

it makes patients disoriented + slurred speech

treatment for hypothermia

• provide a warm enviroment

• provide dry clothing

• apply warmed blankets

• keep limbs close to the body

• cover scalp with cap

• supply warm oral or IV fluids

keep the patient’s _____ covered because lots of heat is lost there

scalp/head

what device can be used to warm up patients with hypothermia?

bair hugger