What should the nurse do when a patient shows symptoms of hypothermia in the postanesthesia care unit?

In cases of hypothermia, especially in a postanesthesia care unit, the primary goal is to actively rewarm the patient to return their body temperature to a safe and normal range. The use of forced air warmers is an effective method, as they provide a consistent and controlled source of warm air to raise body temperature without causing discomfort or further stress to the patient.

Administering warmed intravenous (IV) fluids also contributes significantly to rewarming efforts. The warm fluids help increase the patient's core body temperature from the inside out, promoting vasodilation and improving circulation. This approach addresses the patient's need for increased heat and aids in stabilizing their overall physiological state after anesthesia, which can significantly lower body temperature.

Increasing room temperature alone may provide some benefit but is not sufficient as a standalone treatment option for hypothermia. Encouraging the patient to move around is not advisable, as physical exertion may not be safe or effective during recovery from anesthesia and could lead to instability. Applying cold compresses would exacerbate the hypothermic condition and is counterproductive to the needed intervention. Overall, the combined methodology of warming through forced air and warmed IV fluids is the most comprehensive and effective approach for managing hypothermia in this scenario.