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Clinical studies and experimental research have described therapeutic hypothermia for patients suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI), cardiac arrest, and neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. This procedure is implemented by intensive care unit (ICU)-trained nurses. The aim of the present study was to compare cold compresses/ ice packs, cooling blankets, and heat-exchange systems via intravascular catheters used in the ICU for therapeutic hypothermia from a nursing perspective with respect to ease of application, additional workload, ease of temperature monitoring, and effectiveness. A questionnaire was completed by ICU nurses to evaluate these techniques for therapeutic hypothermia. The results were calculated and a score of 1 to 5 was obtained, where 1 = very bad, 2 = bad, 3 = moderate, 4 = good, and 5 = very good. Overall, heat exchange via intravascular catheters had the best score for implementation of therapeutic hypothermia. Regarding ease of the application, cold compresses/ice packs had the best score. Regarding additional workload, cold compresses/ice packs had the worst score, whereas the heat-exchange system via intravascular catheters scored the best. Regarding ease of temperature monitoring, the heat-exchange system via intravascular catheters had the best score and, regarding effectiveness, cold compresses/ice packs scored the best.

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