Learn how to optimize patient care practices to maintain normothermia and prevent the redistribution phase of unplanned hypothermia.
Hypothermia, defined as a core body temperature less than 36° C (96.8° F), presents a constant challenge for perioperative nurses because many surgical patients are at risk for developing unplanned perioperative hypothermia during surgery. Randomized clinical trials have demonstrated that mild hypothermia increases the incidence of serious adverse consequences including surgical site infections.
Purpose
This module will teach perioperative nurses to optimize patient care practices to maintain normothermia and prevent the redistribution phase of unplanned hypothermia.
Objectives
- Identify the physiological aspects of unplanned perioperative hypothermia.
- Recognize patients at risk for unplanned perioperative hypothermia.
- Identify surgical conditions that are risk factors for a patient developing unplanned perioperative hypothermia.
- Identify methods of measuring core body temperature.
- Identify interventions to prevent unplanned perioperative hypothermia.
Course Requirements
To receive 1.9 contact hours for this course, you must achieve mastery of the content and submit an evaluation as instructed at the end of the course. This course contains 57 questions.
Contact Hours
The 1.9 contact hours for this course will expire June 30, 2017.
Accreditation, Disclaimer and Copyright
AEU
This program is approved for 1.9 hours of AEU credit by BASC provider #0102.
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