Avoiding inadvertent peri-operative hypothermia

Tanner, Judith
Kay, Joanne
Chambers, Kimberley

Author Judith Tanner is professor of adult nursing, University of Nottingham; Joanne Kay and Kimberley Chambers are theatre practitioners at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust

Nursing Times 112(36):p 10-12, September 14, 2016.

•This article has been double-blind peer reviewed

Inadvertent peri-operative hypothermia can cause serious complications, but can be prevented through active warming in the pre-operative and intra-operative phases

Abstract

Around 40% of patients undergoing surgery experience inadvertent perioperative hypothermia. This is uncomfortable for patients and associated with numerous complications including increased mortality, increased surgical site infections, delayed recovery, delayed wound healing, increased blood loss and shivering. Inadvertent peri-operative hypothermia is avoidable. This article discusses its causes and complications and explores key preventive interventions.