Therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest.
Recent evidence supports the use of therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest. This article reviews recent published studies and describes the pathophysiology of hypothermia. Nurses need to understand the physiology of hypothermia to provide care for patients receiving therapeutic hypothermia. A suggested protocol is included to help manage the care of these patients.
Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, IN, USA. TKeresztes@comcast.net
Patricia A
PA
Keresztes
Katie
K
Brick
D001833:Body Temperature Regulation; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D016292:Procedural Sedation; D000075202:Contraindications; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007036:Hypothermia, Induced / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000451:nursing; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D018579:Patient Selection; D017694:Rewarming / Q000451:nursing; D016896:Treatment Outcome