Anesthesia Technologist Practice Exam

Using a warming blanket during surgery is primarily aimed at preventing hypothermia, which is a significant concern for patients undergoing anesthesia. Maintaining a normothermic state is crucial because hypothermia can lead to various complications, including increased risk of infection, cardiovascular issues, and impaired wound healing.

In the surgical environment, patients are often exposed to cold operating room temperatures and may lose heat due to the effects of anesthesia, which disrupts the body’s natural thermal regulatory processes. By employing a warming blanket, the goal is to help maintain the patient's core temperature within a safe range, ensuring better outcomes and reducing the likelihood of adverse effects associated with hypothermia.

While there are other factors to consider in surgical care, such as blood pressure management and fluid intake, the primary purpose of a warming blanket is to actively combat the risk of hypothermia, making it a critical device for maintaining patient safety during procedures.