Which methods are used to maintain normothermia during surgery?

• A. Lower ambient OR temperature to force heat loss.
• B. Forced-air warming, warming blankets, and warmed IV fluids.
• C. Cooling with ice packs.
• D. Reducing IV fluids.

Answer: (B)

Maintaining normothermia during surgery relies on actively warming the patient and preventing heat loss. The most effective approach here is using forced-air warming, warming blankets, and warmed IV fluids. Forced-air warming blankets circulate heated air over the patient’s body, providing immediate, controllable heat to counteract the ongoing heat loss in the operating room. Warming blankets add continuous surface warmth to help keep skin and core temperatures from dropping. Warmed IV fluids prevent the infusion of cold solutions from chilling the blood and tissues, which helps maintain the overall core temperature.

Lowering the ambient OR temperature would increase heat loss through convection and promote cooling, not warmth. Cooling with ice packs actively lowers the body's temperature, which is the opposite of maintaining normothermia. Reducing IV fluids won’t provide heat and can risk inadequate perfusion or dehydration, without addressing temperature loss.

So, the combination of forced-air warming, warming blankets, and warmed IV fluids best maintains normothermia by supplying heat and minimizing heat loss.