9 0
O U T P AT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 4
unplanned hypothermia. Prewarming can prevent or at least minimize
redistribution hypothermia. It is imperative for the operating room
nurse to collaborate with the entire surgical team, especially the anes-
thesia care provider, to develop and implement appropriate measures
for each individual patient's needs.
An increased clinical awareness of unplanned hypothermia can help
prevent adverse patient outcomes. Through surgical team cognizance,
education and available resources, the surgical team can help maintain
the best possible environment to prevent perioperative hypothermia.
OSM
Ms. Criscitelli (
tcriscitelli@winthrop.org
) is assistant director of profes-
sional nursing practice and education at Winthrop University Hospital in
Mineola, N.Y.
H Y P O T H E R M I A
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