Word parts
What it means
The body losing heat faster than it makes it, so its core temperature drops. A core temperature below 35°C (95°F) is the usual cutoff; during and after surgery, below 36°C (96.8°F) already counts, because cold operating rooms, anesthesia and open body cavities all cool the client. The client shivers at first, then becomes confused, slow and pale, and the heart rate slows. Doctors sometimes cool a client on purpose to protect the brain (controlled or therapeutic hypothermia).
For the nurse
Warm the client slowly with warm blankets, a forced-air warming blanket and warmed IV fluids as ordered, and watch the heart rhythm. Older adults, newborns and surgical clients lose heat easily.
In a chart
"Temperature 35.4°C (95.7°F) on arrival to PACU; forced-air warming blanket applied."
Remember it
Hypo is low, therm is heat: low heat.
At a glance
| Spanish | hipotermia |
|---|---|
| Also written | hypothermic |
Easy to confuse with
hyperthermia
A body temperature that is higher than normal because the body takes in or makes more heat than it can lose.
Related terms
vital signs
The basic body measurements: temperature, pulse, breathing rate and blood pressure, often with oxygen saturation and pain.
postoperative
Describing the time after surgery, from the end of the operation until recovery.
hypo-
A word beginning that means under, below or less than normal.
anesthesia
Loss of feeling or sensation, often brought on by drugs so that surgery or a procedure can be done without pain.