Which interventions are appropriate for a client who is shivering and confused after a boating accident?

Which interventions are appropriate for a client who is shivering and confused after a boating accident?

• A. Massage cold extremities
• B. Remove wet clothes
• C. Give sips of warm fluids
• D. Monitor vital signs

Answer: (B)

Removing wet clothes is crucial in this situation as it can help prevent further heat loss due to the thermal conductivity of water. When a person is wet, especially in a cold environment, their body loses heat more rapidly, which can exacerbate shivering and confusion due to hypothermia. By removing wet clothing, the body can start to retain heat better, allowing for potential recovery from the cold exposure. In addition to this, appropriate next steps would typically involve providing warmth and closely monitoring the patient’s vital signs, as these are also important in assessing the severity of exposure to cold and guiding further treatment, but the immediate priority is to mitigate ongoing heat loss.

Removing wet clothes is crucial in this situation as it can help prevent further heat loss due to the thermal conductivity of water. When a person is wet, especially in a cold environment, their body loses heat more rapidly, which can exacerbate shivering and confusion due to hypothermia. By removing wet clothing, the body can start to retain heat better, allowing for potential recovery from the cold exposure.

In addition to this, appropriate next steps would typically involve providing warmth and closely monitoring the patient’s vital signs, as these are also important in assessing the severity of exposure to cold and guiding further treatment, but the immediate priority is to mitigate ongoing heat loss.