In targeted temperature management, which statement best describes the rewarming phase?

In targeted temperature management, which statement best describes the rewarming phase?

• A. Rewarm rapidly within minutes
• B. Rewarm gradually after cooling to prevent rebound fever
• C. Do not rewarm at all
• D. Rewarm only if the patient becomes feverish

Answer: (B)

In targeted temperature management, rewarming must be done gradually. Cooling the body helps protect the brain, but if you rewarm too quickly, the sudden vasodilation and rapid shifts in electrolytes and metabolism can cause instability—hypotension, electrolyte disturbances, increased intracranial pressure, and a rebound fever. Rewarming slowly (for example, about a quarter to half a degree Celsius per hour) allows the body to adjust and helps prevent these problems, while also avoiding fever after rewarming. That’s why the best choice describes slow, controlled rewarming after cooling to prevent rebound fever and related complications. Rewarming rapidly, not rewarming at all, or waiting to rewarm only if fever develops all fail to reflect the proper, proactive management of this phase.

In targeted temperature management, rewarming must be done gradually. Cooling the body helps protect the brain, but if you rewarm too quickly, the sudden vasodilation and rapid shifts in electrolytes and metabolism can cause instability—hypotension, electrolyte disturbances, increased intracranial pressure, and a rebound fever. Rewarming slowly (for example, about a quarter to half a degree Celsius per hour) allows the body to adjust and helps prevent these problems, while also avoiding fever after rewarming.

That’s why the best choice describes slow, controlled rewarming after cooling to prevent rebound fever and related complications. Rewarming rapidly, not rewarming at all, or waiting to rewarm only if fever develops all fail to reflect the proper, proactive management of this phase.