Thermoregulation and Temperature Management Flashcards
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Read the first 7 Thermoregulation and Temperature Management flashcards as text
What is the normal core body temperature range for an adult patient in the PACU?
Answer: 36.5–37.5°C (97.7–99.5°F)
Normal adult core body temperature is 36.5–37.5°C (97.7–99.5°F); values outside this range require intervention in the PACU.
Post-operative hypothermia in adult PACU patients is defined as a core temperature below which value?
Answer: 36.0°C (96.8°F)
A core temperature below 36.0°C (96.8°F) is the clinical threshold for post-operative hypothermia in adult patients.
Which warming method is considered most effective for treating mild to moderate post-operative hypothermia in the PACU?
Answer: Forced-air warming devices
Forced-air warming devices (e.g., Bair Hugger) are the most effective active external warming method for treating post-operative hypothermia.
Post-operative shivering primarily increases which physiological demand?
Answer: Oxygen consumption
Shivering increases metabolic rate and oxygen consumption by up to 400–500%, stressing cardiopulmonary reserves.
Which inhalational anesthetic agent is most associated with triggering malignant hyperthermia (MH)?
Answer: Halothane
Halothane (and other volatile halogenated agents) along with succinylcholine are the classic triggers for malignant hyperthermia.
What is the first-line pharmacological treatment for a confirmed case of malignant hyperthermia?
Answer: Dantrolene sodium
Dantrolene sodium is the specific antidote for MH, acting by inhibiting calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum in skeletal muscle.
Which patient population is at highest risk for developing post-operative hypothermia in the PACU?
Answer: Pediatric and elderly patients
Pediatric patients (greater surface-area-to-mass ratio) and elderly patients (impaired thermoregulation) are at highest risk for post-operative hypothermia.
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