Which method is appropriate for preventing hypothermia in conscious patients?

Encouraging warm, non-alcoholic beverages is the most appropriate method for preventing hypothermia in conscious patients. This approach works because warm beverages help to elevate the body temperature from the inside out. When a person is exposed to cold conditions or has a risk of hypothermia, providing warm fluids can assist in maintaining core body temperature, aiding in vasodilation and enhancing circulation, which are critical in countering the adverse effects of cold.

In contrast, offering cold fluids would exacerbate the risk of hypothermia by further lowering the body's core temperature. Vigorous exercise may temporarily generate heat, but it is not a reliable solution for preventing hypothermia, as it can lead to exhaustion and decrease the body's ability to retain warmth. Using ice packs strategically is entirely counterproductive, as it cools the body rather than warming it, therefore increasing the risk of hypothermia.