Passive rewarming consists of what?

• A. Applying external heat sources
• B. Cooling with ice packs
• C. Giving diuretics to increase urine output
• D. Covering a hypothermic patient and taking steps to prevent heat loss

Answer: (D)

Passive rewarming focuses on preserving the patient’s existing body heat and reducing further heat loss, allowing the body’s own heat production to gently raise core temperature. The best approach is to cover the patient and take steps to prevent heat loss—use dry clothing or blankets and keep them in a warm environment with minimal exposure. This insulation and temperature control slow heat loss through conduction, convection, evaporation, and radiation.

External heat sources and warming devices fall under active rewarming, which directly adds heat from outside the body. Ice packs would cool the patient further, not rewarm them. Diuretics don’t address temperature and can worsen dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, so they’re not part of a rewarming plan.