Which patient population is particularly at risk for hypothermia post-anesthesia?

The correct choice highlights that elderly patients and those undergoing lengthy surgical procedures are particularly at risk for hypothermia post-anesthesia due to a combination of factors, including age-related physiological changes and prolonged exposure to cold operating room environments.

Elderly patients often have a decreased ability to maintain body temperature because of a reduced metabolic rate, thinning skin, and less subcutaneous fat, which normally provide insulation. Additionally, these individuals may have comorbidities that affect thermoregulation.

Long surgical procedures often involve extended exposure to cold environments, which can exacerbate heat loss. The use of cold intravenous fluids, anesthetic gases, and open-body exposure during surgery can also contribute to significant drops in body temperature.

This understanding of the physiological and environmental factors at play helps shape effective monitoring and preventative strategies in post-anesthesia care, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly and those undergoing lengthy surgeries. Therefore, addressing these concerns is essential in clinical practice to ensure patient safety and comfort.