Hypothermia
Introduction
Hypothermia is a medical emergency that is characterized by a potentially dangerous drop in body temperatures more than the body can synthesize enough heat to counter the losses. Hypothermia mostly occurs when one is exposed to cold temperatures for a considerable amount of time or if an individual has a metabolic problem, which is hindering thermoregulation. The average body temperatures are around 37C. A person is said to have hypothermia when the body temperatures fall below 95F (35C). When hypothermia is not treated fast, the heart, nervous system, and multiple organs reduces their functions and finally stops. Respiratory system depression and death may take place if hypothermia is left untreated for a long time.
Pathophysiology of Hypothermia
The average body temperatures are tightly regulated around 37C. However, there is an allowance called the thermoneutral zone from 36.5 C to 37.5C. When the core temperatures rise or fall beyond this range, the hypothalamus triggers thermoregulatory responses (Duong & Patel, 2019). A person is said to have hypothermia when the body temperatures drop below 95F (35C). Some of the thermoregulatory responses in response to increased cold stress are cold-induced vasoconstriction of periphery vessels and shivering. The body initially increases basal metabolism, ventilation, cardiac output, and thyroid activity to increase heat generation (Duong & Patel, 2019). If the cold persists and heat loss overwhelms heat generation, multiple organs begin to stop functioning, and eventually, death may occur.
The Symptoms of Hypothermia
The symptoms of hypothermia vary with severity, but the healthcare provider is likely to pick shivering upon a brief physical examination. Other signs and symptoms include slow and shallow breathing, low body, and surface temperatures upon testing using a thermometer. The blood pressure machine picks a weak pulse, drowsiness, and deficient energy, confusion, and memory loss. Some other signs and symptoms follow prolonged hypothermia such as slow speech and mumbling, clumsiness, and lack of coordination and loss of consciousness. In infants, apart from shivering, the cold skin turns bright red and a weak cry.
Treatment of Hypothermia and its Justification
Hypothermia is a medical emergency; therefore, anyone diagnosed with it requires immediate medical management. Fudge, 2016 explains that before arrival, medical assistance, taking the following action, could help. Moving the person to a warmer place and getting rid of the wet or cold clothes, covering the whole body with warm blankets while leaving the face clear, monitoring breathing and responses. If breathing stops, carry out a cardiopulmonary resuscitation to restore it. For an infant, the mother should provide skin to skin contact to transfer heat to its body. Check the electrocardiogram and blood gases (Fudge, 2016). However, use direct heat could cause damage to the skin, which may trigger irregular heartbeats and potentially causes cardiac arrest.
The clinical management includes passive and active rewarming using hot water bottles or warm air, active core rewarming by use of intravenous fluids to irrigate the body cavities such as thorax, peritoneum, stomach, and bladder. Avoid giving drinks to an unconscious patient or alcohol to a hypothermic patient as it may worsen the condition. Continue monitoring by checking the electrocardiogram and blood gases. Check and record core temperatures regularly to note the progress (Fudge, 2016). Referral the patient to another hospital for advanced treatment may be recommended if the problem is not resolving fast to avoid complications.
Conclusion
Prevention of hypothermia entails the provision of the population at risk with necessities such as food, blankets, clothing, water, and medication. Stripping and insulating doors are providing health education to all people at risk.
References
Duong, H., & Patel, G. (2019). Hypothermia.
Fudge, J. (2016). Exercise in the cold: preventing and managing hypothermia and frostbite injury. Sports Health, 8(2), 133-139.