Prevención de la hipotermia perioperatoria: una estrategia de enfermería

Abstract

Introduction: Perioperative hypothermia is a frequent and underestimated complication in patients undergoing surgical processes since its incidence is from 6% to 90% depending on the type of operation, same that when not effectively controlled can cause serious physical damage to the patient. Objective: To know the strategies applied by the nursing staff for the prevention of perioperative hypothermia. Methods: This study has a quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional approach. This study was conducted in the facilities of the Hospital General Provincial Latacunga from September 2021 to March 2022. The sample is of census type corresponding to 70 participants of the nursing staff. Results: There was evidence of a predominance of 82.90% female sex, 72.90% with a nursing degree. They work in the emergency service 40.00%. In relation to theoretical knowledge of the value of hypothermia 62.90%, active warming 38.60%, environmental temperature of an operating room 28.60%, the temperature at which liquids or blood products should be found 58.60%. Conclusion: The nursing professionals of the Hospital General Provincial Latacunga know the definition of hypothermia and the different strategies of active and passive warming. However, on the negative side, they do not know the value of the environmental temperature that should be found in an operating room and the temperature at which intravenous fluids should be administered in the perioperative period. These professionals always use active and passive warming strategies to prevent perioperative hypothermia.