How is passive warming achieved for a patient with hypothermia over 90 degrees?

Passive warming for a patient with hypothermia primarily involves using environmental and physical barriers to assist in retaining body heat without actively applying heat sources. The correct approach of cutting off wet clothing and providing reflective blankets serves multiple purposes:

Firstly, removing wet clothing prevents further heat loss as wet materials can conduct heat away from the body much faster than dry materials. Wet clothing can contribute significantly to cooling in a hypothermic patient.

Secondly, reflective blankets are excellent at helping to retain body heat. They work by reflecting the body’s own heat back towards the patient, thus reducing radiative heat loss. This technique is particularly beneficial in a clinical setting where conditions may not allow for active warming methods, and it is essential for managing the early stages of hypothermia effectively.

Other options, while beneficial in certain contexts, do not encompass the principles of passive warming as effectively. For instance, administering warmed IV fluids can help in certain cases but is considered more active warming and is typically reserved for more severe hypothermia cases. Increasing room temperature with heaters may assist in creating a warmer environment, but it does not directly aid the patient in conserving their heat. Lastly, providing hot beverages can be useful but is not a direct method of passive warming, especially if the