How do you approach hypothermia in a trauma patient?

• A. Rewarm patient
• B. Administer cold IV fluids
• C. Induce hypothermia
• D. Observe without action

Answer: (A)

Rewarming the patient is the best approach. In trauma, hypothermia worsens bleeding by impairing coagulation, and it also shifts the body's chemistry toward acidosis, making resuscitation harder. The goal is to raise core temperature safely and prevent further heat loss, using active external warming (blankets, external heat sources) and, if needed, internal warming (warm IV fluids, warmed oxygen). Waiting or observing without action isn’t appropriate because hypothermia can rapidly complicate the patient’s condition. Administering cold IV fluids would lower temperature and worsen coagulopathy, and inducing hypothermia would compound the problem.