Considerations

As with any critically ill patient, assessment and management will occur simultaneously and follow an ABC approach.

In determining whether hypothermia is playing a significant role in your patient’s presentation what environmental and patient specific factors should you consider?

In determining whether hypothermia is playing a significant role in your patient’s presentation consider:

• Where they were found
• The ambient temperature and weather conditions
• The patient’s clothing
• The patient’s age
• Co-morbid conditions and state of nutrition
• Alcohol and drug use