Hypothermia Protocol

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I was wondering if anyone can provide input on a hypothermia protocol for post arrest patients? At your facility are these patients 1:1 nursing? if so, how long? What facility do you work at that has 1:1 nursing?

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

There are numerous consequences and adverse effects of shivering influence the outcome of the induction of therapeutic hypothermia. Shivering can cause thermal discomfort as well as sympathetic nervous system activation resulting in tachycardia and hypertension....there by increasing myocardial oxygen consumption. http://ccn.aacnjournals.org/content/31/6/e18.full.pdf

Shivering results in increased resting energy expenditure and oxygen consumption, impeding the induction of hypothermia and eliminating any potential benefits. When shivering is uncontrolled, consequences include increased tissue ischemia. In addition, uncontrolled shivering counteracts the neuroprotective benefits of therapeutic hypothermia due to the reduction of cerebral metabolism.

Therapeutic hypothermia....medsacpe requires registration but it is free.
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Shivering can occur during rewarming, since it is most likely to occur between temps of 34-36. Plus, shivering can be subclinical or "invisible".

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment