Perioperative hypothermia: knowledge and interventions by the nursing team

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the knowledge and interventions of the nursing team about perioperative hypothermia in surgical patients. Method: Descriptive-exploratory study with a cross-sectional approach using a quantitative approach. Data were collected from 77 professionals, including nurses and nursing technicians working in the operating room and in the post-anesthetic recovery room of a reference hospital in overly complex surgeries. Results: The research shows that the participants obtain basic knowledge about the subject, mainly about the concept, the signs, the symptoms and how to intervene when the patient presents the problem. Complications and their management present themselves as a difficulty. Conclusion: The knowledge about perioperative hypothermia and the interventions of the nursing team has gaps. It is expected to contribute to the planning of educational actions that guide quality care strategies for surgical patients.