An individual contacts the emergency department of the local hospital

An individual contacts the emergency department of the local hospital to ask what to do for a skiing partner who appears to be suffering from hypothermia. The victim is alert and able to re-spond to questions.

The nurse instructs the individual who has called to have the victim:
1. Take sips of brandy
2. Drink a bowl of warm soup
3. Drink a cup of very hot coffee
4. Run the affected extremities under hot water

ANSWER

ANS: 2
A conscious client benefits from drinking hot liquids such as soup. Alcohol should be avoided.
Caffeinated fluids should be avoided. Extremities should be warmed gradually. Tissue damage could occur if placed under hot water. The entire body should be warmed, such as by putting heating pads next to the head and neck that lose heat the quickest.