Abstract
Elderly populations are prone to both hyperthermia and hypothermia because of innate physiologic changes associated with aging, the presence of chronic disease, and the use of polypharmacy. Hyperthermia is a true medical emergency with a high mortality rate, requiring rapid cooling and aggressive supportive care. Hypothermia is a common finding in elderly persons. Patients should be warmed in the least aggressive manner that will adequately treat their clinical situation. Hypothermia due to underlying disease carries a high mortality rate, as does the onset of ventricular fibrillation.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 213-229 |
Number of pages | 17 |
Journal | Clinics in Geriatric Medicine |
Volume | 10 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1994 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Geriatrics and Gerontology