#367: The Hypothermic Patient
Description
Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature drops below 35°C (95°F), causing the body to lose more heat than it generates. While it's commonly linked to exposure to cold environments, it can also result from medical conditions or medications.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- How the body regulates temperature - The hypothalamus controls body temperature, but what happens when things go wrong? Learn how the body fights to stay warm and why certain conditions and behaviors can disrupt this process.
- Medical and medication causes of hypothermia - Did you know conditions like hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, or burns can cause hypothermia? Certain medications, including antipsychotics and opioids, can also impair your body’s ability to regulate temperature.
- Signs and symptoms of hypothermia - From mild confusion and shivering to severe cardiac arrhythmias and coma, hypothermia manifests in different stages. Discover the early warning signs and understand when it becomes a medical emergency.
- What’s the best way to measure core temperature? - Not all thermometers are created equal! Find out the most accurate methods for measuring core body temperature and why they’re vital in treating hypothermic patients.
- Treatment for hypothermia - Learn the key strategies for treating hypothermia based on its severity.
Join us as we unravel the intricacies of hypothermia, its causes, symptoms, and life-saving treatments. Click the play button now!
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Full Transcript - Read the article and view references
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Episode on DIC - Learn about disseminated intravascular coagulation, which can be a complication of hypothermia.
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