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A postoperative patient is in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) after undergoing an appendectomy. The nurse assessed the patient's vital signs with a temperature of 94.5 degress Fahrenheit. What should the nurse do?

Explanation

•Heat loss commonly occurs during surgery.

•Forced warm air blankets allow patients to be re-warmed faster than warmed cotton blanket or radiant heat lamps.

•The patient should not be warmed too quickly, as this can cause vasodilation and fluid shifts. Vitals should be monitored regularly in PACU until the patient is ready for discharge or transfer.

•The patient's temperature should be at least 96.8 degrees Fahrenheit before discharging from the PACU.

•If a forced warm air blanket is insufficient, then the nurse should notify the physician.

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