When rewarming a patient who arrived in the emergency department ...

[segrsyd]

When rewarming a patient who arrived in the emergency department (ED) with a temperature of 87 F (30.6 C), which assessment indicates that the nurse should discontinue active rewarming?
 
  a. The patient begins to shiver.
  b. The BP decreases to 86/42 mm Hg.
  c. The patient develops atrial fibrillation.
  d. The core temperature is 94 F (34.4 C).

Question 2

A patient with hypotension and an elevated temperature after working outside on a hot day is treated in the emergency department (ED). The nurse determines that discharge teaching has been effective when the patient makes which statement?
 
  a. I will take salt tablets when I work outdoors in the summer.
  b. I should take acetaminophen (Tylenol) if I start to feel too warm.
  c. I should drink sports drinks when working outside in hot weather.
  d. I will move to a cool environment if I notice that I am feeling confused.

[janieazgirl]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
A core temperature of 89.6 F to 93.2 F (32 C to 34 C) indicates that sufficient rewarming has occurred. Dysrhythmias, hypotension, and shivering may occur during rewarming and should be treated but are not an indication to stop rewarming the patient.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Electrolyte solutions such as sports drinks help replace fluid and electrolytes lost when exercising in hot weather. Salt tablets are not recommended because of the risks of gastric irritation and hypernatremia. Antipyretic medications are not effective in lowering body temperature elevations caused by excessive exposure to heat. A patient who is confused is likely to have more severe hyperthermia and will be unable to remember to take appropriate action.

[segrsyd]

Correct answers!

[janieazgirl]

Great! Please up vote