Adult Health Nursing Test Banks Related

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During surgery, the nurse notices that the patient's temperature is dropping below the normal range. What should the nurse do?

  • A. Increase the ambient room temperature in the operating room
  • B. Administer a warming blanket or forced-air warming device
  • C. Document the temperature trend in the patient's chart
  • D. Continue monitoring the patient's temperature closely
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In a situation where a patient's temperature is dropping below the normal range during surgery, the nurse should prioritize actively warming the patient to prevent hypothermia. Administering a warming blanket or using a forced-air warming device are effective methods to increase the patient's body temperature and prevent any complications that may arise from hypothermia. Increasing the ambient room temperature can help, but it may not be as direct or effective as applying targeted heat sources to the patient. Documenting the temperature trend in the patient's chart is important for record-keeping purposes, but immediate action to address the dropping temperature is necessary. Continuously monitoring the patient's temperature closely is important, but action should be taken promptly to prevent further decline.