Preoperative Interventions for Prevention of Hypothermia

Trish Haley, MS(N), CRNA; Yejin Min, MSN, CRNA; Shawn Collins; Vallire Hooper, PhD, RN, CPAN, FAAN

Trish Haley, MS(N), CRNA Western Carolina University
Yejin Min, MSN, CRNA Western Carolina University
Shawn Collins Western Carolina University
Vallire Hooper, PhD, RN, CPAN, FAAN Mission Health, Asheville, North Carolina

Abstract

Perioperative hypothermia can be a significant issue for surgical patients. Active warming methods initiated in the preoperative period may assist in the prevention of perioperative hypothermia. A literature review was conducted to provide a summary and resource to clinicians based on an evidence-based, practical, bedside approach to pre-warming adult surgical populations and to highlight the further need for research. The literature review addresses preoperative warming recommendations, including warming methods and desired length of warming time. The literature supports the practice of preoperative warming for adult surgical patients to prevent or decrease the incidence of perioperative hypothermia.

Author Biographies

Trish Haley, MS(N), CRNA, Western Carolina University

Trish Haley was a graduate student at the time this article was written

Yejin Min, MSN, CRNA, Western Carolina University

Yejin Min was a student at the time this article was written

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