Applying a Forced Air Warming Device

Goal: The patient returns to and maintain a temperature of 97.7 F to 99.5 F (36.5 C to 37.5 C).

1. Check patient’s chart for the medical order for the use of a forced-air warming device.

2. Gather the necessary supplies and bring to the bedside stand or overbed table.

3. Perform hand hygiene and put on PPE, if indicated.

4. Identify the patient.

5. Close curtains around bed and close the door to the room, if possible. Explain what you are going to do and why you are going to do it to the patient.

6. Assess patient’s temperature.

7. Plug forced-air warming device into electrical outlet. Place blanket over patient, with plastic side up. Keep air-hose inlet at foot of bed.

8. Securely insert air hose into inlet. Place a lightweight fabric blanket over forced-air blanket, according to manufacturer’s instructions. Turn machine on and adjust temperature of air to desired effect.

9. Remove PPE, if used. Perform hand hygiene.

10. Monitor patient’s temperature at least every 30 minutes while using the forced-air device. If rewarming a patient with hypothermia, do not raise temperature more than 10C/hour to prevent a rapid vasodilation effect.

11. Discontinue use of forced-air device once patient’s temperature is adequate and patient can maintain the temperature without assistance.

12. Remove device and clean according to agency policy and manufacturer’s instructions.