What should be placed on the OR bed surface before patient arrival to prevent hypothermia in at-risk patients?

Using a patient-sized forced air-warming blanket on the operating room bed surface before the patient's arrival is essential to prevent hypothermia, particularly in patients who are at risk. These blankets work by circulating warmed air through a system of tubes, providing consistent and controlled warmth that helps to maintain the patient’s core temperature during surgery.

This method is especially important because operating rooms are often kept cool for the comfort of the surgical team and to minimize the risk of infection, which can lead to unintentional hypothermia in patients. By proactively warming the OR bed with a forced air-warming blanket, the patient can start to acclimatize to a warmer temperature immediately upon being placed on the bed, thereby reducing the chances of significant heat loss.

Other options, such as additional layers of blankets or heated mattress pads, may provide some warmth but are typically less effective than a forced air-warming blanket in managing hypothermia risks during surgical procedures. Ice packs, on the other hand, are used for cooling and would contribute negatively to maintaining patient temperature. Therefore, the choice of a patient-sized forced air-warming blanket is the most appropriate and effective measure to safeguard against hypothermia in the OR setting.