Complications of perioperative hypothermia: The temperature of I.V. fluids and the OR can lead to hypothermia

Abstract

September OR Nurse2014 33 HHypothermia is a serious issue for healthcare organizations when it comes to surgery. Researchers have found that 70%-77% of surgical patients become hypothermic, with a body core temperature of less than 96.8° F (36° C), with 22% having a body core temperature of less than 95° F (35° C) during surgery.1-9 Evidence links unplanned perioperative hypothermia to adverse reactions on various organs, including serious complications to the heart, lungs, and liver, as well as blood coagulation and wound healing.3,6-14 As unplanned hypothermia is recognized as a common occurrence during surgery and anesthesia,4 managing hypothermia poses a challenge not only because of its frequency, but also due to the risk of deleterious effects, such as heat loss, that often accompany it and may lead to intraoperative and postoperative complications and threaten patient recovery.10-20 Unplanned hypothermia affects approximately 70% of the patients scheduled for surgeries in the United States, and is associated with serious medical risks.10,21-23 By Kaz Sobczak, MS, RN, CNOR The temperature of I.V. fluids and the OR can lead to hypothermia. Complications of perioperative hypothermia