When applying a hypothermia or hyperthermia blanket,the nurse should:

A) wrap the patient's hands and feet.
B) monitor the patient's axillary temperature every hour.
C) put the patient directly onto the heating or cooling blanket.
D) place the patient onto the blanket and then start the heating or cooling process.

Wrap the patient's hands and feet in gauze.This reduces the risk for thermal injury to the body's distal areas.Monitor the patient's temperature and vital signs every 15 minutes during the first hour and after every 30 minutes of therapy thereafter.Cover the hypothermia or hyperthermia blanket with a thin sheet or bath blanket.Precool or prewarm the blanket,setting the pad temperature to the desired level.