PATIENT WARMING DEVICE

APPLYING A FORCED ARM AIR DEVICE

     Patients returning from surgery are often hypothermic. The application  of a forced-air warming device is a more effective way of rewarming the patient compared to using warm blankets. This device circulates warm air around the patient.

EQUIPMENT

• Forced-warm air device

• Forced-air blanket

• Electronic thermometer

• PPE  as indicated

ASSESSMENT

• Assess patient’s temperature and skin color and perfusion. Patients who are hypothermic are generally pale to dusky and cool to the touch and have decreased peripheral perfusion.

• Inspect nail beds and mucous membranes of patients with darker 

skin tones for signs of decreased perfusion.

NURSING DIAGNOSIS

• Risk for Imbalanced BodyTemperature

• Hypothermia

OUTCOME AND PLANNING

• Patient will return to and maintain a temperature of 97.7°F to 99.5°F 

(36.5°C to 37.5°C).

• Patient’s skin will become warm, capillary refill will be less than 2 to 3 seconds, and patient will not experience shivering.

IMPLEMENTATION

1. Review the medical orders for the 

use of a forced-air warming Device.

2. Perform hand hygiene.

3. Identify the patient.

4. Provide privacy to patient.

5. Explain Procedure to the patient.

6. Assess the patient’s temperature.

7. Plug forced-air warming device into electrical outlet. 

Place forced-air blanket over patient, with plastic side up. Keep air-hose inlet at foot of bed.

8. Securely insert air hose into inlet. Place a lightweight fabric blanket over the forced-air blanket, according to manufacturer’s instructions. Turn the machine on and adjust temperature of air to desired effect.

9. Perform hand hygiene. 

 

10. Monitor the patient’s temperature at least every 30 minutes while using 

the forced-air device. If rewarming a patient with hypothermia, do not raise 

the temperature more than 1°C/hour to prevent a rapid vasodilation effect.

11. Discontinue use of the forced-air device once patient’s temperature is 

adequate and the patient can maintain the temperature without assistance.

12. Remove device and clean according to Hospital policy.

EVALUATION

• Patient’s temperature returns to the normal range of 97.7°F to 99.5°F (36.5°C to 37.5°C) and the patient is able to maintain this temperature.

• Patient’s skin is warm.

• Patient is free from shivering.