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Copyright © 2011 by Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Skill Checklists for Taylor's Clinical Nursing Skills:SKILL 1-3Using a Cooling Blanket (Continued)
Comments- Put on gloves. Lubricate the rectal probe and insert it into
the patient’s rectum unless contraindicated. Or tuck the
skin probe deep into the patient’s axilla and tape it in
place. For patients who are comatose or anesthetized, use
an esophageal probe. Remove gloves. Attach the probe to
the control panel for the blanket. - Wrap the patient’s hands and feet in gauze if ordered, or if
the patient desires. For male patients, elevate the scrotum
off the cooling blanket with towels. - Place the patient in a comfortable position. Lower the bed.
Dispose of any other supplies appropriately. - Recheck the thermometer and settings on the control panel.
- Remove any additional PPE, if used. Perform hand hygiene.
19.Turn and position the patient regularly (every 30 minutes
to 1 hour).Keep linens free from condensation. Reapply
cream, as needed. Observe the patient’s skin for change in
color, changes in lips and nail beds, edema, pain, and sen-
sory impairment.
20.Monitor vital signs and perform a neurologic assessment,
per facility policy, usually every 15 minutes, until the body
temperature is stable.In addition, monitor the patient’s
fluid and electrolyte status. - Observe for signs of shivering, including verbalized sensa-
tions, facial muscle twitching, hyperventilation, or twitch-
ing of extremities. - Assess the patient’s level of comfort.
- Turn off blanket according to facility policy, usually when
the patient’s body temperature reaches 1 degree above the
desired temperature. Continue to monitor the patient’s
temperature until it stabilizes.
ExcellentSatisfactoryNeeds PracticeLWBK681-C01_p01-13.qxd 9/3/10 5:35 PM Page 7 Aptara Inc