CLINICAL VALIDATION OF THE NURSING DIAGNOSIS RISK OF PERIOPERATIVE HYPOTHERMIA IN ELECTIVE SURGERIES

Abstract

Introduction: Hypothermia is determined by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2009) by the body temperature below 36.5°C of the patient in the perioperative period, when it is not prevented in the operating room (OR), it can generate serious changes in the patient's metabolism. Surgical complications and infections are evidenced by daily life as a worldwide concern, responsible for almost 7 million surgical complications per year and 1 million deaths during or after surgery, considering that 50% of these situations can be prevented. Objective: To identify the determining risk factors for the development of the Nursing Diagnosis Risk of Perioperative Hypothermia in Elective Surgeries. Temperature is one of the clinical indicators that demonstrates the effectiveness of body homeostasis, and is a vital sign. It is strictly controlled by the body, however, during the perioperative period, there are frequent changes in thermoregulation, leading to a hypothermic condition. Health status complications from hypothermia result in prolonged hospital stays and higher health care costs. The study "Clinical Validation of the Nursing Diagnosis Risk of Perioperative Hypothermia in Elective Surgeries" seeks to identify how relevant the number of patients with significant risk of hypothermia is throughout the surgical process, including pre- and post-surgery. The role of the nurse to avoid a decrease in the patient's body temperature is of paramount importance for an effective surgery and a postoperative period with effective results and no complications. Method: This is a clinical validation study of the Nursing Diagnosis Risk of Perioperative Hypothermia in elective surgeries, developed from the design of a cross-sectional epidemiological study. Results: It is indicated that age is an important risk factor for the development of perioperative hypothermia, since "the age between 50 and 70 years presents an incidence of 89% of cases and the age above 85 years of 100%". Conclusion: The present study also highlights the early detection of risk factors for perioperative hypothermia, which may contribute to the reduction of postoperative complications that can lead to death.