Hot And Cold Applications Flashcards
What should water temp. be for hot applications?
105 degrees
What do you need to be able to put a hot/cold app. on a patient?
Doctor’s order
How do hot applications help someone?
Dilates the blood vessels
How do cold applications help someone?
Constricts blood vessels
Numbs nervous system in area
Which decreases pain
Decreases swelling/edema
Reduces body temperatureWhat 4 things should the CNA know before giving a hot/cold application?
1) Where is the application needed?
2) How long should it stay on?
3) How often?
4) Is it a Hot or Cold application that is needed?
What causes complications with applications? When do you need to be careful with them?
When a person has or is: PVD Edema A disoriented person A kid Elderly Paralyzed
Rules for hot/cold applications:
Check q10minutes
Should not be on longer than 20 minutes
Do not put over metal
Always have a barrier to protect the skin
What should you look for when checking g the application?
Breaks in the skin Any change: increase or decrease in swelling Bruising Circulation Color of skin
If you notice that the skin is cyanotic/pale/ or red from an application, you should?
Remove it immediately
S/S of hypothermia:
Cyanotic/pale No shivering Decrease in respirations Decrease in HR and BP Unconscious Stiff limbs
S/S of hyperthermia:
No sweat Dry skin Increase in HR and respirations Flushed/ hot to touch Red skin Unconscious
What should CNA do with heating blankets?
Make sure it is functioning
Checks skin q10minutes
Check skin color
Check circulation
How can you check a persons circulation who has hypothermia?
Push down on toe nails and observe color underneath nail
