Which is a non-pharmacological comfort measure in the trauma protocol?

Which is a non-pharmacological comfort measure in the trauma protocol?

• A. Provide warmth
• B. Administer analgesic medication
• C. Initiate IV opioid infusion
• D. Administer sedatives

Answer: (A)

Maintaining warmth is a non-pharmacologic way to comfort a trauma patient. Keeping the patient warm helps prevent hypothermia, which can worsen bleeding, coagulopathy, and acidosis, and it reduces shivering and unnecessary metabolic stress. Simple steps like wrapping the patient in blankets, drying them, and optimizing room temperature or using external warming devices provide comfort without medications. The other options involve drugs—analgesics, IV opioids, and sedatives—so they are pharmacologic measures rather than non-pharmacologic comfort strategies.

Maintaining warmth is a non-pharmacologic way to comfort a trauma patient. Keeping the patient warm helps prevent hypothermia, which can worsen bleeding, coagulopathy, and acidosis, and it reduces shivering and unnecessary metabolic stress. Simple steps like wrapping the patient in blankets, drying them, and optimizing room temperature or using external warming devices provide comfort without medications.

The other options involve drugs—analgesics, IV opioids, and sedatives—so they are pharmacologic measures rather than non-pharmacologic comfort strategies.