Preventing and Treating Accidental Hypothermia

This article will describe the physiological progression, stages, and clinical indicators of accidental hypothermia; identify populations that are at increased risk for accidental hypothermia; explain appropriate interventions and clinical nursing care for victims of hypothermia in an outdoor setting and employ essential preparedness and safety actions when recreating outdoors.

You will need to pass the CEU post-test with 75% or higher to receive credit. 

By the completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

• Describe the physiological progression, stages, and clinical indicators of accidental hypothermia.
• Identify populations that are at increased risk for accidental hypothermia.
• Explain appropriate interventions and clinical nursing care for victims of hypothermia in an outdoor setting.
• Employ essential preparedness and safety actions when recreating outdoors. 

Required Activities:

1. Read the Nevada RNformation Article: Accidental Hypothermia in the Wilderness, January 2026 [Environmental Health Column].
2. Achieve a post-test score of ≥75%. 

Presenter: Dr. Bernadette M Longo, PhD, RN, CNL, PHNA-BC, FAAN

Format: Written Document (Eligible for CEU Credit)

Duration: 60 minutes 

Audience: Registered Nurses, Nurse Leaders, Educators, Pre-Licensure Nursing Students

Setting: Written Paper