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Evidence-Based Practice
Evaluation of the Effectiveness
of Three Forced-Air Warming
Blankets in Preventing
Perioperative Hypothermia
Kaz Sobczak
PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
Hypothermia related to surgery is an issue. Researchers have shown that a high percentage (70%–
77%) of surgical patients become hypothermic, with a signicant percentage (22%) having a body
core temperature less than 35°C during surgery (Akca et al. 2000; Beattie et al. 1997; Kumar et al.
2005; Kurz 2007; Sessler 1997). Clear evidence has linked hypothermia to adverse effects on vari-
ous organ systems, including serious complications to the heart, lungs and liver, as well as bl ...