What is the term for the application of an external heat source to rewarm the body of a hypothermic patient?

The term for the application of an external heat source to rewarm the body of a hypothermic patient is "active warming." This method involves using external devices such as heated blankets, warm water bottles, or heating pads to directly increase the patient's core body temperature. Active warming is crucial in managing hypothermia because it effectively enhances blood flow and raises the body temperature more rapidly than relying on the patient's ability to generate heat on their own.

In contrast, passive rewarming, which is a different technique, involves insulating the patient with blankets or clothing to allow body heat to warm the patient gradually without additional heat sources. Thermal therapy is a broader term that can refer to the use of heat for various therapeutic purposes and isn't specifically tied to hypothermia treatment. Temperature restoration may simply describe the goal of restoring normothermia but does not specifically indicate the mechanism of action like active warming does. Thus, "active warming" accurately describes the process involving the application of an external heat source for rewarming.