Prevention of Unplanned Perioperative Hypothermia
ABSTRACT
HYPOTHERMIA is one of the most common complications experienced by surgical patients. Better postoperative patient outcomes are achieved when normothermia is maintained.
PERIOPERATIVE NURSES should understand how to maintain normothermia, the causes of hypothermia, and adverse patient outcomes that result from hypothermia. Nursing interventions to help prevent hypothermia can be implemented during each phase of perioperative care. AORN J 88 (September 2008) 358–364. © AORN, Inc, 2008.
indicates that continuing education contact hours are available for this activity. Earn the contact hours by reading this article and taking the examination on pages 365–366 and then completing the answer sheet and learner evaluation on pages 367–368.You also may access this article online at http://www.aornjournal.org.The behavioral objectives and examination for this program were prepared by Rebecca Holm, RN, MSN, CNOR, clinical editor, with consultation from Susan Bakewell, RN, MS, BC, director, Center for Perioperative Education. Ms Holm and Ms Bakewell have no declared affiliations that could be perceived as potential conflicts of interest in publishing this article.This program meets criteria for CNOR and CRNFA recertification, as well as other continuing education requirements.AORN is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.AORN is provider-approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP 13019. Check with your state board of nursing for acceptance of this activity for relicensure.
PII: S0001-2092(08)00351-7
doi:10.1016/j.aorn.2008.05.020
© 2008 AORN, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc All rights reserved.