Which statement best describes the effect of mild hypothermia on oxygen use during anesthesia?

Which statement best describes the effect of mild hypothermia on oxygen use during anesthesia?

• A. Mild hypothermia increases O₂ consumption
• B. Mild hypothermia has no effect on O₂ consumption
• C. Mild hypothermia reduces O₂ delivery by the heart
• D. Mild hypothermia reduces O₂ consumption

Answer: (D)

Lower body temperature slows cellular metabolism, so the tissues require less oxygen. In anesthesia, shivering is suppressed, allowing this reduction in metabolic rate to translate into lower overall oxygen consumption. This means oxygen use decreases as warmth is lost, rather than increasing or staying the same, and it’s not mainly about delivery by the heart. So the best description is that mild hypothermia reduces O2 consumption.

Lower body temperature slows cellular metabolism, so the tissues require less oxygen. In anesthesia, shivering is suppressed, allowing this reduction in metabolic rate to translate into lower overall oxygen consumption. This means oxygen use decreases as warmth is lost, rather than increasing or staying the same, and it’s not mainly about delivery by the heart. So the best description is that mild hypothermia reduces O2 consumption.