injuries poisoning
Hypothermia
Diagnosis of Hypothermia
Core temperature measurement Consideration of intoxication, myxedema, sepsis, hypoglycemia, and trauma Diagnosis is by core temperature, not oral temperature. Electronic thermometers are preferred; many standard mercury thermometers have a lower limit of 34° C. Rectal and esophageal probes are most accurate. There are a variety of core temperature thresholds for classifying severity of hypothermia. The Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines uses the following ( General reference ): Mild: 32 to 35°C Moderate: 28 to 32°C Severe:<28°C nitrogen, creatinine, and arterial blood gases (ABGs). ABGs are not corrected for low temperature. An electroencephalogram (EEG) may show J (Osborn) waves (see figure Abnormal ECG showing J (Osborn) waves (V4) ) and interval prolongation (PR, QRS, QT). If the cause of hypothermia is unclear, tests to detect contributing factors are done, including measuring the alcohol level and screening for drugs and The J (Osborn) wave is visible as a hump at the junction of the QRS complex and ST segment. Computer programs cannot reliably differentiate J waveform abnormalities from myocardial injury current. 