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.
(c) AORN, Inc, 2008.