Application of heat and cold

Question 1

Use of Heat

Answer 1

-Vasodilation
- Decreases viscosity of synovial fluid
-May cause edema

Question 2

Problems of heat

Answer 2

-Decreases BP
-Increases bleeding
-May cause burns

Question 3

Use of cold

Answer 3

-Vasoconstricts
-reduces edema
-Decreases pain by numbing

Question 4

Dont use cold therapy if

Answer 4

-Site is edematous
-Presence of Neuropathy
-Shivering

Question 5

Problems of cold

Answer 5

-Damage to cells from loss of nutrients
and lack of waste removal
-Increased blood pressure
-Inhibition of healing

Question 6

After application of heat or cold, reassess after ___ minutes

Answer 6

10-15

Question 7

Moist heat ex:

Answer 7

Compresses, soaks, sitz baths

Question 8

Dry heat ex:

Answer 8

-Water bottle/bag
-Aquathermia pad K-pad or K-thermia
blanket
-Chemical hot packs
-Electric heating pads

Question 9

Use of sponge bath

Answer 9

-Reduces excessive fever
-Promotes heat loss by evaporation
-should be lukewarm temp

Question 10

contradictions to heat therapy

Answer 10

suspected appendicitis - using heat could cause enough increased blood flow to the area to result in a ruptured appendix

*bleeding wound or injury - applying heat would dilate the vessels increasing the bleeding

*newly injured joints - heat increases edema making joint mobility more difficult

*large areas of the body in certain cardiac patients- extensive heat application can result in massive vasodilation to the superficial skin layers depriving major organs of blood supply

Question 11

Moist heat is not used if

Answer 11

there is an adequate arterial blood flow to a wound area

Question 12

Cold is usually applied due to

Answer 12

sprain, strain, fracture, or burn