Why is maintaining normothermia important in the perioperative period?

Why is maintaining normothermia important in the perioperative period?

• A. Hyperthermia increases risk of dehydration
• B. Temperature has no effect on perioperative outcomes
• C. Hypothermia increases risk of bleeding, infection, and cardiac events; use warming measures
• D. Only pediatric patients require warming

Answer: (C)

Maintaining normal body temperature during the perioperative period is crucial because anesthesia and the surgical environment commonly cause heat loss, leading to hypothermia. When core temperature drops, several problems occur: coagulation becomes less effective, so bleeding risk increases; the immune system is less able to fight infection and wound healing can be slower; and the heart is put under more stress, with higher risk of ischemia or arrhythmias due to shivering and increased oxygen demand. Warming measures—pre-warming before induction, active intraoperative warming with forced-air devices, warmed IV fluids, and warmed or humidified gases—help keep temperature in the normal range and reduce these risks. Temperature does influence perioperative outcomes, and warming is useful for all patients, not just children.

Maintaining normal body temperature during the perioperative period is crucial because anesthesia and the surgical environment commonly cause heat loss, leading to hypothermia. When core temperature drops, several problems occur: coagulation becomes less effective, so bleeding risk increases; the immune system is less able to fight infection and wound healing can be slower; and the heart is put under more stress, with higher risk of ischemia or arrhythmias due to shivering and increased oxygen demand. Warming measures—pre-warming before induction, active intraoperative warming with forced-air devices, warmed IV fluids, and warmed or humidified gases—help keep temperature in the normal range and reduce these risks. Temperature does influence perioperative outcomes, and warming is useful for all patients, not just children.