Which option is NOT recommended to prevent perioperative hypothermia?

• A. Do not use warming devices.
• B. Use warming devices, warmed IV fluids, ambient OR temperature control, and minimize exposure.
• C. Keep the OR temperature high to reduce cooling.
• D. Use warmed blankets to cover exposed areas.

Answer: (D)

Preventing perioperative hypothermia relies on actively warming the patient and reducing heat loss. The most effective approach uses active warming devices (for example, forced-air warming), warmed IV fluids, keeping the operating room at a temperature that minimizes cooling, and minimizing exposure of skin to the cold environment. Using warmed blankets to cover exposed areas is not recommended as the sole or primary method because blankets provide slower, less controlled, and sometimes uneven warming compared with active warming systems. They can’t guarantee adequate core rewarming during longer procedures and may delay achieving normothermia. The other strategies fit together as part of a multimodal warming plan, while relying on warmed blankets alone falls short of providing reliable protection against hypothermia.