Stage | Core temperature | Selected physiologic changes | Clinical findings |
Mild | 32 to 35°C (90 to 95°F) | Compensatory shivering | Shivering but conscious |
Increased metabolism | Cyanosis | ||
Vasoconstriction | Prolonged capillary refill | ||
Mild tachycardia | |||
Moderate | 28 to 32°C (82 to 90°F) | Loss of compensatory shivering | Shivering stops |
Decreased cerebral blood flow | Impaired consciousness | ||
Decreased metabolism | Clumsiness | ||
Cold diuresis | Confusion or delirium | ||
Extravasation of fluids | Slurred speech | ||
Hypovolemia | Decreasing blood pressure | ||
Severe | <28°C (<82°F) | Muscle rigidity without shivering | No shivering, unconscious, vital signs may or may not be present |
Loss of thermoregulation | Muscle rigidity | ||
Vasodilation | Erythema and edema | ||
Decreased HR, SV, CO | Stupor or coma | ||
Decreased cardiac conduction | Absent pulses | ||
Increased cardiac irritability | Fixed, dilated pupils | ||
Slowed nerve conduction | Ventricular fibrillation | ||
Suspended cerebral activity | Asystole |
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