From the Guidelines
A body temperature of 93.7 degrees Fahrenheit indicates mild hypothermia, which requires immediate attention to prevent progression to moderate or severe hypothermia. According to the 2020 American Heart Association guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care 1, severe accidental environmental hypothermia is defined as a body temperature less than 30°C (86°F), but mild hypothermia can still have significant effects on the body.
Key Considerations
- Mild hypothermia can affect heart rhythm and brain function if left untreated
- The body's normal temperature regulation mechanisms become compromised below 95°F (35°C)
- Elderly people, young children, and those with certain medical conditions are particularly vulnerable to hypothermia even in mildly cool environments
Recommended Treatment
- Warm the person gradually by moving them to a warm environment
- Remove any wet clothing and cover them with dry blankets
- Apply warm (not hot) compresses to the chest, neck, and groin
- Provide warm, sweet beverages (no alcohol or caffeine) if the person is conscious
- Seek medical attention if the temperature doesn't improve within an hour, if the person is unconscious, or if other concerning symptoms develop.
From the Research
Definition and Classification of Hypothermia
- Hypothermia is defined as a core body temperature below 35.0°C 2
- It can be classified into three categories: mild, moderate, and severe 3
Symptoms and Treatment of Hypothermia
- The clinical presentation of hypothermia includes a spectrum of symptoms, and management depends on the degree of hypothermia present 3
- Treatment modalities range from noninvasive, passive external warming techniques to active external rewarming and active core rewarming 3
- Mild to moderate hypothermia can be treated easily with supportive care in most clinical settings and has good patient outcomes 3
Significance of a Body Temperature of 93.7 Degrees Fahrenheit
- A body temperature of 93.7 degrees Fahrenheit is equivalent to approximately 34.3°C, which is considered hypothermic 2
- At this temperature, patients may experience symptoms such as confusion, drowsiness, and slowed breathing and heart rate 3
- Treatment for hypothermia at this stage may involve passive external warming techniques, such as removal of cold, wet clothing and movement to a warm environment 3
Rewarming Methods and Their Efficiency
- Rewarming is the only approach that should be considered for hypothermia treatment, but it can be a double-edged sword, as improper rewarming may cause further injury 2
- Several active internal rewarming modalities have been described, including hemodialysis, which can be a rapid and efficient modality for rapid internal rewarming 4, 5
- The choice of rewarming method depends on the severity of hypothermia and the availability of resources 3, 6