Which action is recommended when rewarming a hypothermic patient to avoid complications?

• A. avoid rough handling
• B. massage vigorously
• C. rub extremities to generate warmth
• D. remove all blankets to speed warming

Answer: (A)

When rewarming someone who is hypothermic, the priority is to avoid stressing the heart and causing more cooling or heart rhythm problems. The heart becomes irritable as body temperature drops, so rough handling or sudden, forceful movements can trigger dangerous electrical disturbances like ventricular fibrillation or even cardiac arrest. Handling the patient gently minimizes this risk and supports a safer, controlled rewarming process.

Gentle care also reduces unnecessary heat loss and avoids tissue injury. Rubbing or massaging limbs aggressively doesn’t provide meaningful warming and can provoke complications, while removing all blankets would expose the person to further heat loss.