Thermoregulation and Temperature Management Flashcards

Which pharmacological agent is most commonly used to treat post-operative shivering in the PACU?

Answer: Meperidine (pethidine)

Meperidine (pethidine) at low doses (12.5–25 mg IV) is the most effective pharmacological treatment for post-operative shivering.

Unexplained hyperthermia in the PACU should prompt the nurse to first assess for which condition?

Answer: Malignant hyperthermia or infection

Unexplained fever in the PACU must urgently rule out malignant hyperthermia or an infectious source, as both require immediate intervention.

The initial recommended dose of dantrolene sodium for treatment of malignant hyperthermia is:

Answer: 2.5 mg/kg IV, repeated up to 10 mg/kg

The MHAUS-recommended initial dose of dantrolene is 2.5 mg/kg IV, given rapidly and repeated every 5 minutes up to 10 mg/kg until symptoms resolve.

Which of the following is an example of a passive warming technique used in the PACU?

Answer: Cotton blankets and head coverings

Passive warming techniques (cotton blankets, head coverings, warming the environment) reduce heat loss without adding external heat energy to the patient.

For non-invasive continuous temperature monitoring in PACU patients, which site is considered the most accurate accessible alternative to pulmonary artery measurement?

Answer: Tympanic membrane

Tympanic membrane temperature closely reflects core (hypothalamic) temperature through its shared blood supply with the brain and is a practical, accurate non-invasive site.

Hypothermia impairs drug metabolism in the PACU primarily by affecting which organ's enzymatic function?

Answer: Liver

The liver's cytochrome P450 enzymes are temperature-sensitive; hypothermia slows hepatic metabolism, prolonging the duration of many anesthetic and analgesic drugs.

A core body temperature below which value defines severe hypothermia?

Answer: 28.0°C (82.4°F)

Severe hypothermia is defined as core temperature below 28°C (82.4°F), and carries a high risk of cardiac arrest and death.