Increasing the Effectiveness of Targeted Temperature Management

Abstract

Topic: Targeted temperature management and therapeutic hypothermia are essential components of the multimodal approach to caring for compromised patients after cardiac arrest and severe traumatic brain injury.

Clinical relevance: The continuously evolving science necessitates summation of individual facets and concepts to enhance knowledge and application for optimally delivering care. Targeted temperature management is a complex therapy that requires fine-tuning the most effective interventions to maintain high-quality targeted temperature management and maximize patient outcomes.

Purpose: To describe the underlying pathophysiology of fever and the importance of manipulating water temperature and of preventing and treating shivering during that process.

Content covered: This article discusses nursing considerations regarding the care of patients requiring targeted temperature management that are necessary to improve patient outcomes.