What do you care about body temperature management in anaesthesia?
In the process of anaesthesia, temperature management is particularly important for children. Children ‘ s physical characteristics are different from those of adults, who are more sensitive to temperature changes, and therefore anaesthesia teams must take effective measures to maintain the health of children ‘ s patients. The following are some of the aspects of body temperature management in anaesthesia that require attention among children:
First, the mechanisms for regulating the body temperature of children with biological characteristics are not yet fully developed, especially in newborns and infants, who are less able to regulate their body temperature and are vulnerable to changes in external temperature. The relatively large surface area of the skin of children and the faster spread of heat make them more susceptible to low (low) or high (high) body temperature in anaesthesia.
II. Impact of hypothermia on children
1. Cardiovascular system: Low temperature leads to a decrease in the heart rate, affects the normal functioning of the heart and increases the risk of heart disorders. 2. Immunization system: hypothermia inhibits the immune response and increases the risk of infection. 3. Metabolism of narcotic drugs: Temperature may slow the metabolic of narcotic drugs and affect the recovery time of anaesthesia. 4. Neurosystem: Low temperature may affect the function of the nervous system and lead to poor post-operative recovery.
Thirdly, the monitoring of body temperature during anaesthesia is very important during anaesthesia, as is the continuous monitoring of the patient ‘ s body temperature. Anesthesia teams should use appropriate monitoring equipment to ensure that changes in the body temperature of children are closely observed throughout the operation. Generally, body temperature monitoring can be carried out through the following methods: 1. rectal temperature: this is the most reliable measure, especially among patients with deep anesthesia. 2. Ear temperature: through an ear thermometer measure, it applies to older children, but it may not be applicable to infants. 3. Skin temperature: Use skin temperature probes, but need to be aware of possible errors.
IV. The strategy of body temperature management in the course of anaesthesia involves the following measures to keep children ‘ s patients warm: Pre-operative pre-heating: Preheating the patient before an anaesthesia, using a heating blanket or a heating mattress to bring the patient ‘ s body temperature to normal levels. 2. Warm anaesthesia gas: In the process of anaesthesia, heated anaesthesia gas is used to reduce the decrease in body temperature caused by respiratory dissipation during anaesthesia. 3. Use of heat sources: Mandatory heating devices (e.g., mandatory air heaters) may be used during surgery to increase the body temperature of patients. 4. Maintaining the warmth of the environment: The temperature of the operating room should be kept in an appropriate range so as to avoid the effect of too low ambient temperatures on the patient ‘ s body temperature. 5. Periodic assessment of body temperature: periodic assessment of the patient ‘ s temperature during surgery and timely response to changes in body temperature.
5. Post-operative temperature management is equally important. Post-operative patients may experience temperature fluctuations due to the effects of an narcotic drug or post-operative pain. The following measures shall be taken after the operation: 2. Heating measures: provision of heating measures for patients, such as the use of heating blankets, heating pads, etc., to ensure a return to normal body temperature. 3. Pain management: Effective pain management contributes to the comfort of patients and reduces body temperature fluctuations caused by pain.
The monitoring and management of body temperature is an important and non-negligible component of anaesthesia management for children. Because children are sensitive to changes in body temperature, anesthesia teams must take active preventive and intervention measures to reduce the adverse effects of low or high temperatures on children. Pre-operative pre-heating, anaesthesia monitoring and warmth measures, and post-operative recovery management can be effective in maintaining the physical stability of children ‘ s patients, thus increasing the safety and comfort of the operation. Ultimately, good body temperature management helps to promote the rehabilitation of child patients and to reduce post-operative complications.