Which step is included in the management of a hypothermic patient?

• A. Immediate rapid rewarming with hot drinks only
• B. Avoiding airway management
• C. Address airway and breathing first, monitor for arrhythmias, manage hypothermia while addressing intoxication
• D. Ignore arrhythmias potential

Answer: (C)

In hypothermia, protecting life-supporting functions comes first. The patient’s airway and breathing must be assessed and supported because cold temperatures depress respiration and gas exchange, so provide oxygen and be ready to assist ventilation if needed. Because the heart’s electrical activity is altered by cold, continuous monitoring for arrhythmias is essential, and you should manage the dressings of hypothermia while addressing any intoxication that could complicate the picture. This integrated approach—treating airway and breathing, watching for arrhythmias, actively but cautiously managing rewarming, and considering coexisting intoxication—best captures the correct management steps. Quick rewarming with hot drinks alone isn’t enough and can be unsafe; avoiding airway management ignores a critical need, and ignoring arrhythmias leaves a key risk unaddressed.