Page 16 - INTRODUCTION OF NURSING 1.4 The Nursing Process (PART 2)

Nursing Assessment

Assessment Rationales

Hypothermia initially precipitates peripheral

vascular constriction as a compensatory

mechanism to minimize heat loss from

extremities. The patient’s skin will look pale

Assess the patient’s peripheral and cool to the touch with delayed capillary

perfusion at frequent intervals. refill. As hypothermia advances, vasodilation

transpires, furthering heat loss. The patient’s

skin becomes warm and less pale. The

patient may start to remove clothing and bed

covers.