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| Hypothermia is of significant
detriment to the patient. Recoveries are prolonged and bradycardias can be
unresponsive to anticholinergic medications. Although oxygen demand
declines during hypothermia, cardiac output and ventilation also decrease
leading to decreased perfusion and oxygenation. |
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| Improperly applied, supplemental heat can cause serious
patient trauma. Electric heating pads and microwaved rice bags are known
causes of severe patient burns. Click on the picture above if you have not
seem a third degree burn from rice bag use. |
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| Thermostatically controlled medical devices are available
for patient warming without significant risks. Warm water blankets are the
most widespread tool in veterinary medicine today but they are a
relatively inefficient way to warm a patient. Warm air devices are the
most effective way to manage patient heat loss. Bair Huggers are becoming
more common in practice as older human equipment becomes available on the
secondary equipment market.
Dr. Bob
Stein
1-30-04 |
