Why Is Therapeutic Hypothermia Important
1. Describe four important points and why they are important.
Harden (2011) explains the importance of therapeutic hypothermia and the benefits of implementing this intervention post-cardiac arrest. Therapeutic hypothermia is used to potentially decrease or prevent any kind of neurologic deficit that could occur post - arrest from decreased perfusion and oxygenation to the brain. The benefits of starting this are exponential and “…decreases free radical production, inflammatory pathways, cellular apoptosis, and necrosis to prevent neurologic injury once oxygenated blood flow is restored to the brain…” (p. 48).
Another significant point that Harden (2011) brings up is that therapeutic hypothermia should be started no later than ten hours after return of circulation post-arrest so that optimal results are achieved. The significance of starting this intervention early is because decreasing the temperature of the body stops the injury to the brain that could be occurring. This occurs because “…cellular metabolism and oxygen demand slow while maintaining an adequate level of …show more content…
Many believe that patients should be rewarmed at 0.3-0.5 C per hour to provide optimal results in neurologic function. It is important to be aware that true neurologic function may not be seen for a few days so it is essential to continue assessing and make the family aware of this so they aren’t too worried. Monitoring the skin is also essential at this time since pressure ulcers are more likely to develop due to the vasoconstriction of tissues. To decrease this risk, all health care providers should work to use pressure mattresses and any type of device that can shift pressure with as little movement as possible. Once normothermia is reached, positioning can take more of a priority.
3. Apply your articles to an experience you’ve had in the
Harden (2011) explains the importance of therapeutic hypothermia and the benefits of implementing this intervention post-cardiac arrest. Therapeutic hypothermia is used to potentially decrease or prevent any kind of neurologic deficit that could occur post - arrest from decreased perfusion and oxygenation to the brain. The benefits of starting this are exponential and “…decreases free radical production, inflammatory pathways, cellular apoptosis, and necrosis to prevent neurologic injury once oxygenated blood flow is restored to the brain…” (p. 48).
Another significant point that Harden (2011) brings up is that therapeutic hypothermia should be started no later than ten hours after return of circulation post-arrest so that optimal results are achieved. The significance of starting this intervention early is because decreasing the temperature of the body stops the injury to the brain that could be occurring. This occurs because “…cellular metabolism and oxygen demand slow while maintaining an adequate level of …show more content…
Many believe that patients should be rewarmed at 0.3-0.5 C per hour to provide optimal results in neurologic function. It is important to be aware that true neurologic function may not be seen for a few days so it is essential to continue assessing and make the family aware of this so they aren’t too worried. Monitoring the skin is also essential at this time since pressure ulcers are more likely to develop due to the vasoconstriction of tissues. To decrease this risk, all health care providers should work to use pressure mattresses and any type of device that can shift pressure with as little movement as possible. Once normothermia is reached, positioning can take more of a priority.
3. Apply your articles to an experience you’ve had in the