Hot and Cold Application Flashcards
What are the local effects of heat
Old remedies for aches and pain for comfort and relief
Causes Vasodilation and increases blood flow to the affected area
Promotes soft tissue healing and increases suppuration
Disadvantage of Heat Application
It increases capillary permeability, which allows extracellular fluid and substances that may result in edema or an increase in preexisting edema .
applied locally for conduction using bottle water, electric pad, aquathermia pad or disposable heat pack.
Heat dry
can be provided through conduction by compress, hot pack, soak or sitz bath.
Heat Moist
Local Effect of Cold
Lowers the temperature of the skin and underlying tissues and causes Vasoconstriction.
Prolonged exposure to cold results in impaired circulation, cell deprivation, and subsequent damage to the tissues from lack of oxygen and nourishment.
Cold is most often used for sports injuries to limit post injury swelling and bleeding.
Systemic effect of heat
Heat may cause excessive peripheral vasodilation, which produces a drop in blood pressure. A significant drop in blood pressure can cause fainting.
Systemic effect of cold
Extensive cold applications and vasoconstriction, a client’s blood pressure can increase. Shivering, a generalized effect of prolonged cold
Thermal Tolerance
the presence of any conditions indicating the need for special precautions during heat and cold therapy
The 3 thermal tolerance
Neurosensory Impairment
Impaired Mental Status
Impaired Circulation
unable to perceive that heat is damaging the tissues and are at risk for burns or are unable to perceive discomfort from cold and prevent tissue injury.
neurosensory impairment
altered level of consciousness need monitoring during applications to ensure safety therapy.
impaired mental status
People with peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, or congestive heart failure lack the normal ability to dissipate heat via the blood circulation, which puts them at risk for tissue damage with heat and cold applications.
impaired blood circulation
Cold applications
Open wounds.
Impaired circulation
Allergy or hypersensitivity to cold
Heat Applications
Active hemorrhage
Noninflammatory edema
Skin disorder that causes redness or blisters
Variables affecting physiologic Tolerance to Heat and Cold
Skin Intactness Body Parts Site of the exposed body parts Individual Tolerance Length of exposure
