Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) 9th Edition Provider Practice Exam

Initiating warming measures for a hypothermic patient primarily improves oxygen delivery. When a person is hypothermic, the body's metabolic processes slow down, leading to reduced oxygen availability at the tissue level. As the core body temperature drops, the ability of hemoglobin to release oxygen to tissues is compromised. Warming the patient helps to restore normal temperature, thereby facilitating better oxygen transport and utilization.

Improved oxygen delivery is crucial as tissues become more efficient in utilizing oxygen when warmed, supporting cellular metabolism and preventing further complications associated with hypothermia, such as organ dysfunction and increased mortality rates.

While stabilizing electrolyte levels, reducing shivering, and preventing metabolic acidosis are important considerations in the management of hypothermia, they are secondary to the primary goal of enhancing oxygen delivery to vital organs and tissues as rewarming progresses.