Hypothermia Flashcards
(16 cards)
What is hypothermia?
An unintentional reduction of core body temperature below the normal physiological limits
Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it.
What are the temperature ranges for mild and moderate or severe hypothermia?
Mild hypothermia: 32-35°C; Moderate or severe hypothermia: < 32°C
These classifications help in assessing the severity of hypothermia.
What is the estimated annual number of hypothermia-related deaths in the UK?
300/year
This statistic highlights the public health impact of hypothermia.
What is the estimated annual number of hypothermia-related deaths in Canada?
8000/year
Canada experiences a higher incidence of hypothermia-related deaths compared to the UK.
When is hypothermia most common?
During the winter
Cold weather increases the risk of hypothermia, especially in vulnerable populations.
Who is particularly susceptible to hypothermia?
The elderly
Age-related physiological changes increase the risk of hypothermia in older adults.
What is a major cause of hypothermia?
Exposure to cold in the environment
Environmental factors are the primary contributors to hypothermia.
List some risk factors for hypothermia.
- General anaesthesia
- Substance abuse
- Hypothyroidism
- Impaired mental status
- Homelessness
- Extremes of age
These factors can increase an individual’s vulnerability to hypothermia.
What are some signs of hypothermia?
- Shivering
- Cold and pale skin
- Slurred speech
- Tachypnoea
- Tachycardia
- Hypertension (if mild)
- Respiratory depression
- Bradycardia
- Hypotension (if moderate)
- Confusion/impaired mental state
Recognizing these signs is crucial for timely intervention.
What can happen to babies with hypothermia?
They may look healthy but can be limp, unusually quiet, and refuse to feed
Newborns are at high risk for heat loss, necessitating immediate warming measures.
What is the preferred method for measuring core body temperature in hypothermic patients?
Special low-reading rectal thermometers or thermistor probes
Accurate measurement is important for monitoring treatment effectiveness.
What ECG changes may appear as core temperature approaches 32°C to 33°C?
Acute ST-elevation and J waves or Osborn waves
These changes indicate cardiac stress due to hypothermia.
What laboratory tests are advised for hypothermic patients?
- FBC
- Serum electrolytes
- Blood glucose
- Arterial blood gas
- Coagulation factors
- Chest X-ray
These tests help assess the patient’s condition and guide treatment.
What is the initial management for a patient with hypothermia?
- Remove from cold environment
- Remove wet/cold clothing
- Warm with blankets
- Secure airway and monitor breathing
- Consider warm IV fluids if passive warming is ineffective
Proper initial management is critical to prevent further complications.
What should not be done when treating hypothermia?
- Don’t put the person into a hot bath
- Don’t massage their limbs
- Don’t use heating lamps
- Don’t give them alcohol to drink
These actions can increase the risk of cardiac arrest.
Fill in the blank: Hypothermia is most common during the _______.
winter
