Warming Measures
Intraoperative hypothermia can be prevented. Perioperative personnel can use both active and passive measures to maintain or achieve normothermia.
Active Warming Measures
- Application of external heating sources to the skin and peripheral tissues.
- The heating sources should be applied preoperatively and maintained throughout the procedure.
Alexander’s Care of the Patient in Surgery 16th ed. Fig. 10.5 Pg. 268
Passive Warming Measures
These are measures that use the patient’s own heat including:
- Cotton blankets
- Coverings for the head and feet
- Minimizing exposure of the patient’s skin with drapes or plastic sheet covers