Hypothermia Consequences — FRCA Primary MCQ

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HardPhysiology - Endocrine & MetabolicHypothermia ConsequencesFRCA Primary

Regarding the physiological effects of hypothermia in the perioperative period which is NOT a recognised consequence?

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Correct answer: B — Increased oxygen consumption due to shivering

Hypothermia causes: impaired coagulation / increased surgical site infection / decreased MAC / prolonged drug action (decreased metabolism) / leftward shift of ODC / cardiac arrhythmias / and postoperative shivering. However shivering INCREASES oxygen consumption (up to 400% of basal) — this occurs during recovery not during hypothermia itself when metabolism is reduced.

Reference: Power Kam 2018 Principles of Physiology for the Anaesthetist