How is the patient's temperature likely to change during surgical intervention?

During surgical intervention, the patient's temperature is likely to drop due to a phenomenon known as intraoperative hypothermia. This occurs for several reasons:

1. Exposure to Cool Environments: Operating rooms are typically kept at lower temperatures to maintain a comfortable environment for the surgical staff and to reduce microbial growth. The exposure to this cooler air can lead to a drop in the patient's body temperature.

2. Loss of Insulation: When a patient is anesthetized and draped for surgery, large areas of skin are exposed. This loss of insulation contributes to heat loss, especially in lengthy surgical procedures.

3. Effects of Anesthesia: Certain anesthetic agents can disrupt the body's thermoregulation. They may impair the hypothalamic response to temperature fluctuations, further leading to a decrease in body temperature.

4. Fluid and Blood Loss: The administration of cold intravenous fluids and blood products can also contribute to a drop in core temperature during surgery.

Given these factors, it is crucial for surgical teams to actively monitor and manage the patient's temperature to prevent complications associated with hypothermia, such as delayed wound healing, increased risk of infection, and cardiac arrhythmias.