What is the treatment for moderate hypothermia?

• A. Active rewarming
• B. Check core temp
• C. Warm/dry clothes
• D. Passive rewarming

Answer: (B)

Determining the patient's core temperature is the essential first step in managing suspected hypothermia. Knowing the exact core temp tells you whether the patient is in mild, moderate, or severe hypothermia and directly guides the treatment plan. For moderate hypothermia, you would pursue more active warming, but you only choose and tailor that approach after confirming the core temperature. Measuring core temperature with reliable methods (esophageal, rectal, or bladder sensors) also helps monitor rewarming progress and detect potential complications as the patient improves. While warming techniques are part of the treatment, they should be selected based on an accurate core-temperature reading rather than guesswork from peripheral cues or improvised warming alone.