Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Practice Exam 2025 - Comprehensive All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

Hypothermia is a condition that can develop rapidly in an emergency department setting, particularly due to exposure to cold environments or inefficient temperature regulation in patients who may be compromised, such as those with trauma or underlying medical conditions. In trauma situations, factors such as shock, blood loss, or prolonged exposure to a cold environment can impair the body's ability to maintain its core temperature.

Furthermore, emergency departments can be quite cold, and patients may be undressed or exposed during examinations, increasing their risk for hypothermia. This condition is characterized by a core body temperature falling below 95°F (35°C) and can lead to significant physiological dysfunction, including slowing of the heart rate, decreased metabolic rate, and impaired cognitive function.

While hyperthermia, febrile reactions, and sepsis are important considerations in a trauma setting, they do not develop as quickly due to the acute exposure and hypothermic risk factors present in the emergency department environment. Hypothermia is particularly concerning because it can complicate resuscitation efforts and worsen outcomes, making rapid recognition and management critical for improving patient survival and recovery.