In the workup for suspected hypothermia, which item is included?

In the workup for suspected hypothermia, which item is included?

• A. Rectal temperature only
• B. CXR
• C. Routine labs
• D. CBC, BMP, TSH, Lactic acid, clotting

Answer: (C)

In suspected hypothermia, the initial workup includes obtaining routine labs to rapidly assess the patient’s metabolic and organ function and to guide treatment. These labs provide a broad snapshot: electrolytes and glucose to detect metabolic disturbances, kidney and liver function to gauge organ involvement, and lactate as a marker of tissue hypoperfusion. They also help identify coexisting conditions such as infection or toxin exposure that could influence management. Measuring temperature alone doesn’t reveal these derangements, so a single rectal temperature would miss important data. Chest radiography isn’t routinely needed unless there are respiratory concerns or trauma. A panel that includes TSH isn’t relevant to the acute evaluation, whereas the routine lab workup typically encompasses CBC, BMP/CMP, glucose, lactate, and coagulation as indicated. So routine labs best fit the goal of comprehensively evaluating the patient during suspected hypothermia.

In suspected hypothermia, the initial workup includes obtaining routine labs to rapidly assess the patient’s metabolic and organ function and to guide treatment. These labs provide a broad snapshot: electrolytes and glucose to detect metabolic disturbances, kidney and liver function to gauge organ involvement, and lactate as a marker of tissue hypoperfusion. They also help identify coexisting conditions such as infection or toxin exposure that could influence management.

Measuring temperature alone doesn’t reveal these derangements, so a single rectal temperature would miss important data. Chest radiography isn’t routinely needed unless there are respiratory concerns or trauma. A panel that includes TSH isn’t relevant to the acute evaluation, whereas the routine lab workup typically encompasses CBC, BMP/CMP, glucose, lactate, and coagulation as indicated. So routine labs best fit the goal of comprehensively evaluating the patient during suspected hypothermia.