The nurse is concerned about the client's temperature. Which interventions can the nurse use to address the client's temperature? Select all that apply.
Explanation & Rationale
A. Check the temperature of the humidified oxygen attached to the ventilator: Ventilator circuits often include humidified air, and ensuring it is warm helps prevent further heat loss. Cold oxygen delivery can contribute to hypothermia in intubated clients. B. Instill warm fluids in the nasogastric tube: Warmed enteral fluids can help raise core body temperature and are an appropriate method for internal rewarming in a hypothermic trauma patient. C. Apply warm blankets: This is a safe, effective, and commonly used external warming method to treat mild hypothermia. Warm blankets help prevent further heat loss and support gradual rewarming. D. Use a fluid warmer for intravenous fluids: Infusing cold fluids can worsen hypothermia. Using a fluid warmer helps maintain core temperature and is especially important during rapid fluid administration. E. Place ice packs around the client's head: This intervention would lower body temperature and is contraindicated in hypothermia. It is used to reduce fever or manage increased intracranial pressure, not to treat low temperatures. F. Administer an antipyretic: Antipyretics are used to reduce fever, not to raise body temperature. In a hypothermic client, they are inappropriate and potentially harmful. G. Administer intravenous fluids with a rapid infuser: A rapid infuser should only be used with warmed fluids. When used with a fluid warmer, it helps maintain core temperature during large-volume resuscitation. H. Microwave a pack of gauze and distribute across the body: This is unsafe and not evidence-based. Microwaving gauze creates a burn hazard and provides no controlled or measurable warming benefit.