More Questions on this topic
More Questions on this topic ( 18 Questions)
A nurse is monitoring a patient who had general anesthesia for a hernia repair. Which of the following findings indicate that the patient is at risk for hypothermia? (Select all that apply.)
Shivering is a sign of hypothermia because it is the body's way of generating heat when the core temperature drops below normal. Shivering can be uncontrollable in mild hypothermia and may stop in moderate to severe hypothermia as the body conserves energy.
Tachycardia is not a sign of hypothermia. In fact, hypothermia can cause bradycardia, which is a slow heart rate, as the body tries to reduce heat loss through the blood vessels.
Pallor is a sign of hypothermia because it indicates reduced blood flow to the skin as the blood vessels constrict to preserve core temperature. Pallor can also be accompanied by cyanosis, which is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to low oxygen levels in the blood.
Diaphoresis is a sign of hypothermia because it is the result of excessive sweating that can occur after exposure to cold or wet environments. Sweating can increase heat loss through evaporation and lower the body temperature further.
Hypotension is a sign of hypothermia because it reflects decreased cardiac output and blood pressure as the heart muscle becomes less efficient and responsive to stimuli. Hypotension can also lead to shock, organ failure, and death if not treated promptly.
Choice A reason:
Shivering is a sign of hypothermia because it is the body's way of generating heat when the core temperature drops below normal. Shivering can be uncontrollable in mild hypothermia and may stop in moderate to severe hypothermia as the body conserves energy.
Choice B reason:
Tachycardia is not a sign of hypothermia. In fact, hypothermia can cause bradycardia, which is a slow heart rate, as the body tries to reduce heat loss through the blood vessels.
Choice C reason:
Pallor is a sign of hypothermia because it indicates reduced blood flow to the skin as the blood vessels constrict to preserve core temperature. Pallor can also be accompanied by cyanosis, which is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to low oxygen levels in the blood.
Choice D reason:
Diaphoresis is a sign of hypothermia because it is the result of excessive sweating that can occur after exposure to cold or wet environments. Sweating can increase heat loss through evaporation and lower the body temperature further.
Choice E reason:
Hypotension is a sign of hypothermia because it reflects decreased cardiac output and blood pressure as the heart muscle becomes less efficient and responsive to stimuli. Hypotension can also lead to shock, organ failure, and death if not treated promptly.