UNPLANNED HYPOTHERMIA is commonly encountered in the perioperative period. Nursing has contributed to the literature on hypothermia with studies on shivering and treatment modalities; however, the direct physiological consequences of postoperative hypothermia have been reported mainly in the medical literature. RESEARCH ON THE PHYSIOLOGICAL effects of postoperative hypothermia offers nurses further evidence to support interventions for temperature correction in patients with hypothermia. Evidence indicates that forced‐air warming is the most effective method for warming hypothermic patients. THE ROY ADAPTATION MODEL is explained as a framework for nursing care of patients with hypothermia. Clinical practice guidelines for unplanned perioperative hypothermia also are provided. AORN J 83 (May 2006) 1055–1066.