Date of Award

5-2006

Document Type

Graduate Project

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Abstract

Intraoperative hypothermia is a common complication affecting patients undergoing surgical procedures. Complications associated with intraoperative hypothermja include increased blood loss and transfusion requirements, wound infections, prolonged hospitalizations, and adverse cardiac outcomes. The purpose of this project was to perform a comprehensive review of the literature regarding intraoperative hypotherrrua . Further, the literature was reviewed to determine effective management strategies for prevention of intraoperati ve hypothermia

Synthesis of the evidence in the literature review provided the basis for education of intraoperative nursing staff on the implications and importance of risks related to intraoperative hypothermia in surgical patients. Providing a staff in-service educated intraoperative nurses and other staff members on strategies to prevent hypothernua. The in-service promoted intraoperative nurses' knowledge of the common risk factors and medical complications that arise if patients do suffer hypothernua within their perioperati ve practice

The staff of a large Midwestern health care facility received education regarding the impo11ance of preventing intraoperative hypothermia and were provided education on the risk factors, common complications, and rrusconceptions associated with intraoperative hypothermia. Further, the staff received education on the best practices for prevention of intraoperative hypotherrrua. The educational in-service was designed to provide clinical practice strategies that would ultimately reduce the incidence of intraoperative hypothermia by increasing the staffs awareness and promoting preventative practice within the perioperative setting

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