Question 20

Describe the mechanisms by which heat is lost from the body (40% of marks). Discuss the importance of each of these in a sedated and intubated adult patient  (60% of marks)

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College Answer

A satisfactory answer required use of terms radiation, convection, conduction etc. in the 
manner defined in the texts, rather than the layman’s use of the terms. Better answers 
displayed understanding of the meaning, relative importance and mechanism of methods of 
heat loss. 
The second part of the question required application of these concepts in patients with artificial 
airway and sedatives, particularly change in control of vascular tone and voluntary behavioural 
control.