HOT AND COLD APPLICATION Flashcards
The nurse removes an ice pack and notices that the area underneath the ice pack is blue. What action should the nurse take?
Discontinue the use of ice packs
________ exerts a profound physiological effect on the body, reducing inflammation caused by injury to the musculoskeletal system
Cold
When reviewing the documentation of patients on the unit, a nurse determines that one of the patients is at higher risk for injury from a local heat application to an extremity. which condition poses this risk?
Peripheral neuropathy
Assessment of a patient reveals that the area directly under the heating pad is slightly red and sensitive to touch. how should the nurse respond?
Remove the pad and reassess in 5 minutes
Which of the following conditions would require using caution in applying cold therapy?
Circulatory insufficiency
When applying a hypothermia or hyperthermia blanket, the nurse should:
Wrap the patient’s hands and feet
For which patient should the nurse consider an application of cold?
Fractured ankle
The nurse is using cryotherapy for a patient with a sprained ankle. The nurse explains the benefits to her patient. Which of the following statements made about the benefits of cryotherapy is correct?
It provides local anesthesia
Hot applications are used with caution in which of the following conditions?
- Pregnancy
- Malignancy
- Laminectomy sites
- Spinal cord injury
The nurse is explaining to the patient the rationale for the use of dry heat. Which of the following statements indicates understanding of the advantage of dry heat application for the patient?
It maintains temperature changes longer
If a patient on a hypothermia blanket starts to shiver, what action should the nurse take?
Discontinue treatment
VASOCONSTRICTION will result in what effect on the body?
a decrease blood flow in the area
a compress is:
a soft pad applied over a body area
when you remove the hot pack, you notice the area is pink in color and warm to touch this is referred to as
VASODILATION
The nurse is removing a heating pad and notices that the skin beneath the pad is pink and warm to touch. how should the nurse respond?
Document the findings
In addition to monitoring the controls on the hypothermia blanket every 30 minutes, the nurse will need to assess the patient’s rectal temperature every_____ hours.
4
When the skin is exposed to warm or hot temperatures, which of the following occurs?
- Vasodilation
2. Perspiration
A new staff nurse is assigned to the unit. The charge nurse evaluated that the new staff member knows proper use of the aquathermia pad when he:
Pad is covered with a towel or pillowcase
What procedure should the nurse follow when applying hot compresses to an open wound?
Cover all wound surfaces
Which of the following conditions are best treated with cold therapy?
- Muscle spasm
- Hemorrhage
- Localized inflammatory responses
- Pain
The patient is receiving cold therapy and complains to the nurse that the area being treated is numb. How should the nurse respond?
Stop cold therapy
heat application temperature is
30-45 degree Celsius
examples of hot application
heating pad ( check every 10 minutes) wax baths (paraffin wax)- dip 6-10 times
cold applications should not be used for longer than
30 minutes
cold gel/ice pack must be ____ to prevent frost bite
wrap in a towel
which is more efficient? chipped ice or commercial gel packs
chipped ice
cold arm/foot bath are great for what and for how long to immerse?
bony areas and for up to 1 minute
paper cup filled with water put in freezer, once frozen tear paper and massage/stroke it over affected area, this is called what and best for?
ice cup and best suited for muscle injury and larger areas
alternating between heat and cold, blood vessels dilate then constrict causing overall increase of circulation to the area, tissue healing and reduces swelling
contrast- heat then cold application
what is the effect of contrast-heat then cold application
FLUSHING EFFECT
WHAT IS the ratio for contrast-heat then cold application
3:1
3 minutes heat, 1 minute cold
repeat 3 times for maximum effect
temperature for hot and cold
very cold- 15c- ice bag cold- 15-18c- cold pack cool 18-27cc- cold compress tepid-27-37c- alcohol sponge bath warm-37-40c- warm bath hot-40-46- hot soak, hot compress very hot 46c- hot water bag for adult
