Compresses/Applications Flashcards
Warm Application uses
Relieve muscle spasms
Reduce pain
Reduce inflammation
Promote healing
Combat local infection
Increase circulation
Improve mobility before exercising
Relax the patient
Causes vasodilation
Brings more blood to area to promote healing
Soothing when there is pain
Warm application caution
Monitor heat applications especially is using moist heat
Do not allow patients to lie on heat
Maintain heat temps from 95- 100F
Use thermometer to check solution temperatures as needed
Prevent excessive exposure
Heat near head could causes headaches (from vasodilation)
Rubber or plastic should not touch the patient’s skin (use a cover)
Warm application consequnces
Acute inflammation
Dermatitis
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Open wounds
Recent soft tissue injuries where swelling and bleeding would be increased due to heat
Skin sensation impairment & paralysis
Severe cognitive impairment
Acute edema
Rash
Infection
Hemophilia
Age**
Moist Warm treatments
Warm soaks
Wet compresses
Sitz bath
Cold application uses
Vasoconstriction
Decrease sensitivity to pain
Reduce temperature
Slows inflammation
Reduces itching
Cold application caution
Excessive cold causes body tissue damage
Color changes to the skin (blanching ot cyanosis)
Feelings of numbness or discomfort
Shivering due to excessive cold
Young children
Elderly patients
Those with cognitive impairments
Uncooperative patients
Patients who are unconscious
Patients who are paralyzed
Patients with tissue damage
Patients with poor circulation
Cold application consequences
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Peripheral vascular disease
Open wounds
Skin sensation impairment
Severe cognitive impairments
Cold intolerance or allergy (urticaria)
rheumatoid arthritis or Raynaud’s phenomenon
Cold treatments
Cold pack
Ice bag
Thermal blanket
Wet compress
Temperature Regulation - Hyperthermia
Elevated body temperature over 104*F
Aging and chronic conditions can interfere with body’s cooling mechanisms
Indications
Elevated body temperature
Hot, flushed skin
Faintness
Headache
Nausea
Convulsions
What should you do?
Report observations
Check environmental temperature and adjust accordingly
Reduce external warmth
Give cooling drink (if permitted)
Monitor vitals
Perform cooling procedures prescribed
Temperature Regulation - Hypothermia
Body temperature drops to 95*F or below
Aging and chronic conditions can interfere with body’s cooling mechanisms
Indications
Drop in body temperature
Poor coordination and confusion
Slurred speech
Decreased respiratory and heart rates
Early Stages of hypothermia
Shivering
Increase in pulse, respirations and BP
What should you do?
Report observations
Check environmental temperature and adjust accordingly
Provide external warmth
Monitor vitals
Provide warming drinks (if permitted)
Sequential Compression Devices
Help prevent blood clots from forming in lower legs
Typically seen after surgeries
Can be used in other circumstances: secondary to lymphedema, help with treatment of venous stasis ulcers
Sleeves that are connected to compressor to inflate and deflate around limb to help promote circulation and prevent blood clots from forming
Lymphedema
Blockage in lymphatic system and backup of lymph begins to form in limb
Venous Stasis Ulcers
Wound, typically in leg, caused by abnormal or damaged veins
Blood is not returned to heart normally and begins to back up
Blood clots, injury, aging, obesity
Sequential Compression Devices Application
Place the sleeve under the patient’s’ leg making sure it is positioned correctly
Knee at popliteal space & ankle at ankle
Secure sleeve around the leg leaving room for 2 fingers under the sleeve
Plug in connector on sleeve to device
Turn device on with proper settings
Repeat procedure for other leg
Reposition patient as needed for comfort
Remove sleeves at least once to check on skin and circulation
Antiembolism Stockings/Compression Hose Application
Patient will lie supine
Turn stocking inside out down to toe
Put hand in stocking and grasp where toes will go
Place patients toes in tip of stocking and make sure material is smoth
Slide stocking over rest of patients foot and heel making sure heel is in heel portion of stockings
Pull rest of stocking up over calf making sure it’s smooth
Make sure stocking does not roll at the top
Repeat process on other leg
Position the patient to make sure they are comfortable
Remove socks at least once during shift to check skin and circulation
