Hypothermia

Question 1

below what temperature is it classified as hypothermia

Answer 1

below 35 degrees

Question 2

in trauma patients, what is the threshold for hypothermia

Answer 2

temp shouldn’t fall below 36

Question 3

what causes hypothermia

Answer 3

when there is too much heat loss; usually due to wet/ cool environments

Question 4

how will a hypothermic patient present (symptoms and signs)

Answer 4

temp below 35

cognitive impairment

shivering

frostbite

tachypnoea, tachycardia and hypertension ORRRR respiratory depression, bradycardia and hypotension

cold-induced diuresis

Question 5

investigations

Answer 5

measure their temperature,

basic obs

ECG,

full bloods

blood glucose

CXR

Question 6

how to manage mild hypothermia

Answer 6

remove the patient from the cold area,

remove wet clothing,

insulate them- keep them warm

hot, sweet drinks to balance blood sugar

Question 7

what is mild vs moderate/severe hypothermia

Answer 7

mild is 32-35

moderate/ severe is below 32

Question 8

moderate/severe hypothermia management (NOT IN CARDIAC ARREST)

Answer 8

oxygen, IV warmed fluids, warming

Question 9

management of moderate/severe hypothermia (CARDIAC ARREST)

Answer 9

CPR, oxygen, IV warmed fluids and external/internal warming

Question 10

prognosis

Answer 10

most patients with core body temp below 26 will not survive