Question

Hypothermia affects up to ___% of all surgical patients.

A) 20%
B) 40%
C) 60%
D) 80%

Answer 1

Hypothermia affects up to 60% of all surgical patients. Controlled hypothermia is used during open-heart surgery to decrease the metabolic needs of organs and reduce the risk of damage.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hypothermia affects up to 60% of all surgical patients. Controlled hypothermia is often used during open-heart surgery to decrease the metabolic needs of the brain, heart, and other organs, reducing the risk of damage to them. When controlled hypothermia is used, the patient is cooled to 25-32°C (79-89°F) and the heart is stopped, with an external heart-lung pump maintaining circulation to the body.