What should be done to begin rewarming a severe hypothermia patient?

To begin rewarming a patient experiencing severe hypothermia, it is essential to initiate the process safely and effectively. Utilizing a heat source, such as warm blankets or heat packs, is crucial for providing the necessary warmth to the patient. This approach helps to elevate the patient’s core temperature gradually and reduces the risk of complications associated with rapid rewarming, such as shock or dysrhythmias.

In severe cases of hypothermia, the body’s normal thermoregulation is impaired, which makes generating heat through physical activity, as suggested in one of the options, uncomfortable and potentially harmful. Similarly, applying cold compresses would further reduce body temperature, exacerbating the hypothermic condition. Lightweight blankets alone may not provide sufficient insulation or warmth to significantly affect the patient's core temperature.

Using a packaged heat source ensures a controlled and efficient rewarming process, making it the optimal starting point for treating severe hypothermia.