S16C203 - Hypothermia

Question 1

Hypothermia Defn:

Answer 1

-core temp

Question 2

Hypothermia: ECG changes

Answer 2

• TWI
• prolonged: PR, QRS, QT
• osborn J wave
• shivering artifact
• dysrrhythmias: brady, AF, nodal rhythm, AV block, PVC, VF, asystole

Question 3

ABG flaws

Answer 3

-reader will heat blood to 37deg and report a higher O2 and CO2 than reality and lower pH

Question 4

Hypothermia Tx:

Answer 4

• spend 30-45sec finding a pulse/checking resps, if none, do CPR
• warm IV fluids, radiant heat, heat blankets, GI lavage, bladder lavage, pleural lavage, ECMO
• behr blanket
• passive: removal from cold and insulation (everything else is active)

Question 5

Causes of hypothermia:

Answer 5

• environmental exposure
• metabolic: hypoglycemia, hypothyroid, hypoadrenalism, hypopituitarism
• CNS dysfxn: stroke, tumore, trauma, wernicke’s
• druges: EtOH, sedatives
• Sepsis: dermal dz (Burns)
• massive fluid/blood resusc