The effect of incidental hypothermia on elderly surgical patients.
Elderly surgical patients are especially susceptible to incidental hypothermia. Thermoregulatory mechanisms and cardiopulmonary systems are limited in recovery potential. To prevent postoperative shock secondary to decreased cardiac output an hypoxia, temperature should be carefully monitored with vital signs during and after surgery.
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007035:Hypothermia / Q000150:complications* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative