What is the most obvious way to decrease heat loss from radiation and convection?

• A. Move the patient out of the cold environment
• B. Cover with a thin sheet only
• C. Expose the patient to warm air
• D. Provide cold fluids

Answer: (A)

Heat loss from the body by radiation and convection depends on the temperature difference between the skin and the surrounding environment. The simplest and most effective way to cut both types of heat loss is to move the patient out of the cold environment, reducing the ambient temperature and the gradient the body’s heat is trying to overcome.

Covering with a thin sheet provides some insulation, but it doesn’t eliminate the cold surroundings, so it’s less effective. Exposing to warm air can lessen convection, but unless the environment is warm and stable, radiative heat loss still occurs. Providing cold fluids would worsen heat loss, not improve it.