Increasing the Effectiveness of Targeted Temperature Management

Topic Targeted temperature management and therapeutic hypothermia are essential components of the multimodal approach to caring for compromised patients after cardiac arrest and severe traumatic brain injury. Clinical Relevance The continuously evolving science necessitates summation of individual facets and concepts to enhance knowledge and application for optimally delivering care. Targeted temperature management is a complex therapy that requires fine-tuning the most effective interventions to maintain high-quality targeted temperature management and maximize patient outcomes. Purpose To describe the underlying pathophysiology of fever and the importance of manipulating water temperature and of preventing and treating shivering during that process. Content Covered This article discusses nursing considerations regarding the care of patients requiring targeted temperature management that are necessary to improve patient outcomes.