Poster Presentation
Friday, July 13, 2007
9:30 AM - 10:15 AM
Friday, July 13, 2007
3:15 PM - 4:00 PM
Prevention of Perioperative Hypothermia by Nurse Anesthesia
Brian Smeby, BSN, RN, Nursing, Arkansas State University, State University, AR, USA
| Learning Objective #1: List three interventions employed by the nurse anesthetist to prevent per-operative hypothermia. |
| Learning Objective #2: Realize the importance of peri-operative temperature control in the surgical patient. |
Perioperative hypothermia has been documented as one of the most common complications of surgery and anesthesia. The effects of hypothermia complicate the intraoperative and postoperative management of the surgical patient, as well as causing patient discomfort. This study demonstrates the importance of perioperative temperature monitoring and maintenance on the management of the surgical patient. The research question focuses on the impact of preoperative cooling in the holding area prior to transfer to the operating room. Interventions include the use of room temperature control, warm blankets, and other warming devices, as well as periodic temperature monitoring. This is an on-going study conducted in a mid-sized, private hospital. The goal temperature to be maintained is 96.7 degrees Fahrenheit. Outcomes to be evaluated are maintenance of the goal temperature throughout the peri-operative experience, as well as control of shivering and subjective reports of patient comfort regarding temperature.