An intoxicated 28-year-old man is brought to the Emergency Department after being found in the...

This patient is experiencing mild hypothermia (32–35°C), evidenced by shivering, ataxia, and tachycardia. First-line management includes passive external rewarming — removing wet clothing, providing warm blankets, and ensuring a warm environment (ambient temperature ~28°C).

Toronto Notes 2023 – Emergency Medicine, Environmental Injuries:

“Mild hypothermia (32–35°C): Treatment includes passive rewarming (warm blankets, warm environment). Avoid active rewarming methods to extremities due to risk of afterdrop.”

MCCQE1 Objectives – Internal Medicine > Environmental Exposure:

“Candidates must recognize appropriate levels of hypothermia and select evidence-based rewarming strategies based on severity.”

Options A, C, and D are used in moderate to severe hypothermia (<32°C or unconscious patients). Heating pads (B) may cause tissue damage, especially with frostbite.

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