Australasian Emergency Nursing Journal
Volume 8, Issue 4 , Pages 165-171, March 2006

Case review: ED management of hypothermia in an elderly woman

  • N. Lunardi, RN, BN, CertAcuteCareNsg (Emerg)

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationTel.: +61 3 8405 8600.

The Northern Hospital, Emergency Department, 185 Cooper St, Epping, Melbourne, Vic 3076, Australia

Summary 

This case study outlines the management of a profoundly hypothermic elderly patient. Tympanic temperature on arrival was 27.1°C, and was accompanied by an altered state of consciousness. The circumstances surrounding this patient's presentation to the Emergency Department and subsequent clinical management are presented. The significance of hypothermia, secondary to a severe and overwhelming sepsis is examined including, pathophysiology changes that occur and invasive/non-invasive rewarming methods to correct hypothermia.

Keywords: Hypothermia, Rewarming, Emergency department, Case study, Sepsis, Elderly

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PII: S1574-6267(05)00060-1

doi:10.1016/j.aenj.2005.12.002

Australasian Emergency Nursing Journal
Volume 8, Issue 4 , Pages 165-171, March 2006

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