The nurse is caring for a client with induced hypothermia for major thoracic surgery. For which potential health problems should the nurse assess this client? Select all that apply

Question

1. Acidosis
2. Afterdrop
3. Hypotension
4. Hypertension
5. Rebound fever

Answer 1

1, 2, 3

Rationale 1: Acidosis may occur as accumulated tissue acids enter the central circulation.

Rationale 2: As cool blood from the periphery moves to mix with warmer blood in the core, central temperature drops 2°–5°C (3.5–9°F) causing afterdrop.

Rationale 3: Hypotension can occur when peripheral vessels dilate when the body is rewarmed.

Rationale 4: Hypertension is not an effect of induced hypothermia.

Rationale 5: Rebound fever is not an effect of induced hypothermia.

Global Rationale: Hypothermia may be therapeutically induced in certain situations to protect vital organs because it provides metabolic quiescence. Acidosis may occur as accumulated tissue acids enter the central circulation. As cool blood from the periphery moves to mix with warmer blood in the core, central temperature drops 2°–5°C (3.5–9°F) causing afterdrop. Hypotension can occur when peripheral vessels dilate when the body is rewarmed. Hypertension and rebound fever are not effects of induced hypothermia.