Which action would be appropriate immediately for a client with moderate hypothermia?

Which action would be appropriate immediately for a client with moderate hypothermia?

• A. Administer heated oxygen
• B. Position the client supine
• C. Provide high-carbohydrate liquids
• D. Apply external heat with heating blankets

Answer: (C)

Providing warm, high-carbohydrate liquids is the best immediate step because it directly supplies energy for the body's metabolism to generate heat. When the body has readily available calories, it can convert them into internal warmth, helping raise core temperature from within. This is safe to do if the client is alert and able to swallow, and it addresses the heat production needs right away. Other options don’t tackle energy production as the first priority: heated oxygen helps with oxygenation if needed but doesn’t warm the body as effectively or reliably; keeping the patient supine doesn’t impact temperature; external warming is important but should follow ensuring safe energy intake and overall monitoring to avoid rapid or uneven rewarming.

Providing warm, high-carbohydrate liquids is the best immediate step because it directly supplies energy for the body's metabolism to generate heat. When the body has readily available calories, it can convert them into internal warmth, helping raise core temperature from within. This is safe to do if the client is alert and able to swallow, and it addresses the heat production needs right away. Other options don’t tackle energy production as the first priority: heated oxygen helps with oxygenation if needed but doesn’t warm the body as effectively or reliably; keeping the patient supine doesn’t impact temperature; external warming is important but should follow ensuring safe energy intake and overall monitoring to avoid rapid or uneven rewarming.