Question

For every _____ degree drop, hypothermia decreases oxygen consumption.

Answer 1

Hypothermia decreases oxygen consumption as the body temperature drops. Emergency department physicians use controlled hypothermia to reduce damage to the heart in patients who have suffered a cardiac arrest. This slows down the patient's metabolic rate and reduces the heart's workload.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hypothermia is a dangerous decrease in core body temperature below 34.4 degrees C (94 degrees F). When the body temperature drops, hypothermia reduces oxygen consumption. For every degree drop, hypothermia causes a decrease in oxygen consumption, slowing down the body's metabolic rate.

For example, emergency department physicians use controlled hypothermia to reduce damage to the heart in patients who have suffered a cardiac arrest. By inducing coma and lowering the patient's body temperature to approximately 91 degrees, the patient's metabolic rate slows down. This decrease in metabolic rate reduces the workload on the heart, as the organs require less blood to function.

Answer 2

For every 1-degree Celsius drop, hypothermia decreases oxygen consumption.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hypothermia, a condition where the body temperature drops significantly below the normal range, has various effects on physiological processes. As the body temperature decreases, there is a corresponding reduction in metabolic rate and oxygen consumption. The statement suggests that for every 1-degree Celsius drop in temperature, the body becomes more energy-efficient, requiring less oxygen to sustain metabolic functions. This adaptation is a protective mechanism to conserve energy and maintain core functions during exposure to cold environments. However, it's important to note that while reduced oxygen consumption can be a survival strategy in the short term, severe hypothermia poses significant health risks and requires prompt intervention to prevent adverse outcomes.