Post operative shivering is treated with
**Question:** Post operative shivering is treated with
A. Opioids
B. Narcotics
C. Analgesics
D. Antipsychotics
**Core Concept:** Postoperative shivering is a common phenomenon that occurs due to the activation of thermoreceptors in response to hypothermia, pain, or anxiety. It can lead to increased oxygen consumption and blood loss, and is often treated to prevent these complications.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:**
Postoperative shivering is primarily treated with **D. Antipsychotics** like metoclopramide, which are antagonists of dopamine receptors. By blocking dopaminergic pathways, they reduce the thermoregulatory center's response to hypothermia and help alleviate the shivering.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. **Opioids (e.g., morphine)** and B. **Narcotics (e.g., fentanyl)** are primarily used for pain relief and sedation, not treating shivering. They may actually worsen hypothermia by further depressing the central thermoregulatory center.
C. **Analgesics (e.g., paracetamol)** are used for pain relief, not specifically for treating shivering. Additionally, they are not as effective in reducing hypothermia.
**Clinical Pearl:** While dopaminergic antagonists like antipsychotics can effectively treat postoperative shivering, they should be used cautiously as they may cause extrapyramidal side effects like Parkinsonism.
**Explanation:**
Shivering is primarily treated with antipsychotics as they target the central thermoregulatory center and reduce the shivering response to hypothermia. Opioids and narcotics are primarily used for pain relief and sedation, and can worsen hypothermia. Analgesics are used for pain relief but are not specifically designed to treat shivering.