During resuscitation, which statement best reflects the role of warmth in trauma care?

• A. It helps prevent infection
• B. It helps maintain normothermia but is not related to coagulopathy
• C. It has no effect
• D. Maintaining warmth during resuscitation helps prevent coagulopathy

Answer: (D)

Maintaining warmth during resuscitation helps prevent coagulopathy. In trauma, bleeding and shock can drive the patient into hypothermia, and lower body temperature impairs the coagulation cascade and platelet function. This makes clot formation slower and less effective, worsening bleeding and increasing the need for blood products. Keeping the patient warm preserves enzymatic activity and platelets, helping to maintain hemostasis and interrupt the progression of the lethal triad (hypothermia, acidosis, coagulopathy). While warmth also supports infection prevention, the most important and direct benefit during resuscitation is reducing coagulopathy.