Name of the Procedure:

Achieving a Body Temperature Measurement Equal to or Greater than 35.5 Degrees Celsius (or 95.9 Degrees Fahrenheit) in Relation to Anesthesia End Time (G9771)

Summary

This procedure ensures that at least one body temperature measurement of 35.5°C (95.9°F) or higher is recorded within the 30 minutes immediately before or the 15 minutes immediately after the anesthesia end time to maintain patient safety and prevent hypothermia.

Purpose

This procedure addresses the risk of hypothermia during operations involving anesthesia. The goal is to maintain a stable body temperature to reduce the likelihood of complications such as surgical site infections and prolonged recovery times.

Indications

• Patients undergoing surgeries where anesthesia is administered.
• Individuals at higher risk for hypothermia, including those with low body fat, the elderly, and those undergoing lengthy or complex surgical procedures.
• Situations where maintaining normothermia is critical for optimal post-surgical recovery.

Preparation

• Patients may be advised to keep warm pre-operatively.
• Pre-assessment tests may include temperature readings and other routine checks to ensure baseline health.
• No specific fasting or medication adjustments typically required for this monitoring procedure.

Procedure Description

1. A healthcare professional will monitor the patient's body temperature using precise tools.
2. Temperature readings are taken at specified intervals including within 30 minutes before or 15 minutes after the anesthesia end time.
3. If body temperature drops below 35.5°C, warming methods such as forced-air warming blankets or warmed intravenous fluids may be applied.
4. Continuous monitoring ensures the patient's body temperature meets the required threshold.

Duration

This monitoring is conducted throughout the anesthesia period, typically lasting as long as the surgical procedure plus up to 45 minutes as specified.

Setting

The procedure is performed in settings where anesthesia is administered, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and surgical centers.

Personnel

• Anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist responsible for anesthesia and temperature management.
• Surgeons and surgical team members.
• Post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) nurses.

Risks and Complications

• Overheating if external warming methods are improperly managed.
• Possible skin burns from warming devices.
• Rare but potential disruption of temperature monitoring equipment.

Benefits

• Reduces the risk of hypothermia associated complications.
• Decreases the likelihood of surgical site infections.
• Ensures a smoother and quicker recovery time by maintaining normothermia.

Recovery

• Post-procedure includes routine monitoring of vital signs including temperature.
• Patients receive instructions on postoperative care and potential warming techniques if necessary.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to ensure optimal recovery.

Alternatives

• Non-thermal interventions to maintain body warmth such as perioperative environmental control.
• Use of intravenous fluids warmed to body temperature, though this alone may not be as effective as combined with other warming techniques.

Patient Experience

• Patients might feel the warming effects of devices used during the procedure.
• Discomfort is generally minimal with adequate pain management practices in place.
• Postoperative care ensures the patient's comfort and warmth without significant distress.