Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Section 1: PCT Certification > Lesson 10: Patient Care (4) > Flashcards

Lesson 10: Patient Care (4) Flashcards

Hot and Cold Applications

1
Q

Both warm and cold applications can be ordered in two ways:

A

moist and dry application

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Warm and cold applications have several purposes (3)

A
  1. To decrease discomfort and reduce pain
  2. To reduce the swelling of damaged tissues
  3. To promote the healing of damaged areas and tissue repair
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Blood vessels

A

These provide nutrients and oxygen to the tissues and then remove waste products and carbon dioxide from the tissues.
- The vessels infiltrated every part of the tissues.
- Veins carry blood back to the heart
- Arteries carry blood away from the heart
- Blood vessels begin with the largest artery attached to the heart, the aorta, and become progressively smaller and smaller as they move away from the heart
- As they get smaller and smaller, they are referred to by different names: arteries, arterioles, and capillaries

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Capillaries

A

These are tiny vessels that reside in almost every part of the tissues of the body.
- These then connect to the veins that move the blood back to the heart

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Veins

A

Veins get progressively larger and are reffered to as venules, veins, and finally the largest veins the superior and inferior vena cava, which connect to the heart once again.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Circulatory system

A

The body’s network pushes the movement of blood through vessels, which is called circulation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

How do warm and cold applications use the blood vessels to help reduce pain and swelling and increase tissue repair?

A
  • Blood vessels constrcit and dialtate in response to temperature changes.
  • Heat causes the blood vessels to dilate and cold causes them to constrict.
  • Because of this sensitivity to temperature, physicians can use warm and cold applications to control what happens in the tissues of specific body area
  • Remeber that normal body temperature is about 98.6F or 37.0C
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Effect of heat

A

Heat is applied to a part of the body to speed up the healing process
- It does this by dilatingthe blood vessels in the area, causing more blood to circulate to the damaged body tissues where the heat is applied
- Increased circulation means an increased amount of blood to the tissues; increasing the amount of blood in turn brings increased nutrients and oxygen the blood carries
- Heat may be applied to an area of the body to ease pain that is caused by inflammation and congestion
- When the vessels become dilated, an increased supply of blood can carry away the fluids causing the inflammation and pain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Effect of cold

A
  • Swelling of body tissues causes tissue damage and delays healing.
  • Cold is applied to body areas to constrict or decrease the amount of blood flowing to the area
  • Cold applications on the area also reduce pain
    When the damaged area becomes colder, less blood and fluid seep out of the cappillaries into the tissues
  • Cold also slows down the rate at which blood escapes from a cut or a hole in a vessel.
  • In cases of hyperthermia, cold may also be applied to the individual’s entire body to reduce its temperature.
  • A special blanket, called a hypothermia blanket, is typically used.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Examples of moist applications:

A

compresses and soaks

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Compress

A

A moist application in which a cloth is dipped into water, the excess water is wrung out, and the cloth is applied to the skin.
- This is a localized application, meaning it is applied to one specific part of the body

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Soak

A

This can either be a localized or a generalized application
- Generalized means that it affects or invleves the entire body.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Moist applications

A

This is an application in which water touches the skin, and the surface of the application is moist.
- Examples are: cool wet packs, hot and cold compresses, sitz bath, warm or cold soak, and tub bath

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Dry aplications

A

This is an application in which no water touches the skin, and the surface of the application is dry.
- Examples: Aquamatic K-pad, commercial unit warm or cold packs, hypothermia blankets, and heating pads

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Procedures for Applying Moist Heat

A

Step 1: Assemble the Equipment
Step 2: Ready the Individual
Step 3: Complete the Procedure
Step 4: Clean the Area and Equipment
Step 5: Follow Up

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Applying moist heat: Step 1

A
  1. Assemble the equipment
    - disposable bed protector
    - basin
    - pitcher of water that is 98F pr 37C
    - washcloth, towel, or gauze pads
    - large sheet of plastic
    - bath towel
    - bath blanket
    - disposable gloves
  2. Wash your hands and apply gloves if there is risk of open wounds
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Applying moist heat: Step 2

A
  1. Identify the individual, if you are in a facility
  2. Tell the person that you are going to apply a warm compress and where it will be applied.
  3. Ensure the person’s privacy and comfort.
  4. Raise the bed toa. comfortable working position, if you are using a hospital-type bed.
  5. Help the person to a comfortable and expose the body area for application of a warm compress
  6. Place a disposable bed protector under the body area that is to be given the warm compress.
  7. Fill a pitcher with warm water and pour it into a basin.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Applying moist heat: Step 3

A
  1. Dip the compress into the water and wring it out thoroughly.
  2. Apply the compress gently to the proper area.
  3. Cover the wet compress by wrapping the entire area with a large towel or body wrap.
  4. Cover the are, compress, and towl with a waterproof pad.
  5. Cover the person with a blanket if she becomes cold.
  6. Change the compress and remoisten it as necessary to keep it warm. Allow the individual to apply the compress herself if she is able and your supervising nurse allows.
  7. Check the skin under the application every 5 minutes. If the skin appears red, remove the compress. Cover the area with a towel and report your findings to a nurse or physician. Document your findings as appropriate.
  8. When the treatment is completed, remove the compress and pat the area dry with a towel.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Applying moist heat: Step 4

A
  1. Clean the equipment and store it.
  2. Discard the disposable equipment and gloves.
  3. Wash your hands.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Applying moist heat: Step 5

A
  1. Make the person comfortable and return the bed to its normal position. Raise the side rails if necessary and using a hospital bed.
  2. Report to your supervisor:
    - The time the warm compress was started
    - How long the compress was in place
    - The area of application
    - How the individual tolerated the procedure
    - Any unusual or abnormal observations
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Applying moist heat: Charting example

A

3/17/12 1000: Warm compress applied on Mrs. Jones’s left forearm for 20 minutes as ordered. Mrs. Jones reported that the compress reduced her pain. -L.Hill, CNA

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Procedure for Applying a Warm Soak

A

Step 1: Assemble the Equipment
Step 2: Ready the Individual
Step 3: Complete the Procedure
Step 4: Clean the Area and Equipment
Step 5: Follow Up

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Applying a warm soak: Step 1

A
  1. Assemble the equipment:
    - basin, foot tub, or arm basin
    - disposable bed protector
    - bath towel
    - bath blanket
    - disposable gloves
  2. Wash your hands and apply gloves if there is a risk for exposure to body fluids
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Applying a warm soak: Step 2

A
  1. Identify the patient, if you are in a facility.
  2. Tell the person that you are going to apply a warm compress where it will be applied
  3. Ensure the person’s privacy and comfort.
  4. Raise the bed to a comfortable working position, if you are using a hospital-type bed.
  5. Help the person to a comfortable position and expose the body area for application of a warm compress
  6. Place a disposable bed protector under the body area that is to be given the warm compress.
  7. Fill a pitcher with warm water and pour it into the basin.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Applying a warm soak: Step 3

A
  1. Place the person’s arm, hand, leg, or foot into the basin of water gradually.
  2. Check the temperature of the water every 5 minutes.
    - When it needs to be changed to maintain the warm temperature, take the person;s arm, hand, leg, or foot out of the basin and wrap it with a bath blanket or towel to keep it warm.
    - Refill the basin with warm water and place the area back into the basin.
    - Repeat this for the prescribed time for the soak.
  3. Check the skin every 5 minutes.
    - If it appears red, stop the treatment, cover the area with a towel, and report the findings to the nurse or supervisor.
    - Document as required.
  4. Cover thepatient with a plaket if she becomes cold.
  5. When the treatment is complete, dry the arm, hand, leg, or foot by patting it gently with a towel.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Applying a warm soak: Charting example

A

3/17/12 1000: Warm soak applied on Mrs. Jones’s left forearm for 20 minutes as ordered. Mrs. Jones reported that the soak reduced her pain. -L. Hill, CNA

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Applying a warm soak: Step 5

A
  1. Make the person comfortable and return the bed to its normal position. Raise the side rails if necessary and using a hospital bed.
  2. Report to your supervisor:
    - The time the warm compress was started
    - How long the compress was in place
    - The area of application
    - How the individual tolerated the procedure
    - Any unusual or abnormal observations
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Applying a warm soak: Step 4

A
  1. Clean the equipment and store it.
  2. Discard the disposable equipment and gloves.
  3. Wash your hands.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

Procedure for Applying a Commercial Unit Heat Pack

A

Step 1: Assemble the Equipment
Step 2: Ready the Individual
Step 3: Complete the Procedure
Step 4: Clean the Area and Equipment
Step 5: Follow Up

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Procedure for Applying Aquamatic Hydro-Thermal (K-Pad)

A

Step 1: Assemble the Equipment
Step 2: Ready the Individual
Step 3: Complete the Procedure
Step 4: Clean the Area and Equipment
Step 5: Follow Up

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Procedure for Applying a Portable Chair-Type Sitz Bath

A

Step 1: Assemble the Equipment
Step 2: Ready the Individual
Step 3: Complete the Procedure
Step 4: Clean the Area and Equipment
Step 5: Follow Up

30
Q

Procedure for Applying a Disposable Sitz Bath

A

Step 1: Assemble the Equipment
Step 2: Ready the Individual
Step 3: Complete the Procedure
Step 4: Clean the Area and Equipment
Step 5: Follow Up

31
Q

Applying a commercial unit heat pack: Step 1

A
  1. Assemble the equipment:
    - Commerical unit, single-use heat pack that has been warmed. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
    - disposable bed protector
    - bath towel
    - bath blanket
    - disposable gloves
  2. Wash your hands and apply gloves if there is a risk for exposure to body fluids.
32
Q

Applying a commercial unit heat pack: Step 2

A
  1. Identify the patient, if you are in a facility.
  2. Tell the person that you are going to apply a warm compress where it will be applied
  3. Ensure the person’s privacy and comfort.
  4. Raise the bed to a comfortable working position, if you are using a hospital-type bed.
  5. Help the person to a comfortable position and expose the body area for application of a warm compress
  6. Place a disposable bed protector under the body area that is to be given the heat pack.
33
Q

Applying a commercial unit heat pack: Step 3

A
  1. Place the moist, warm pack on the proper body area.
  2. Cover the pack with a waterproof pad and blue pad. This will keep the pack warm.
  3. Check the skin every 5 minutes.
    - If it appears red, stop the treatment, cover the area with a towel, and report the findings to the nurse or supervisor.
    - Document as required.
  4. Follow the instructions as to the length of the application. Replace with a new warm pack as necessary.
  5. When the treatment is completed, dry the body area by patting it gently with a towel.
34
Q

Applying a commercial unit heat pack: Step 4

A
  1. Clean the equipment and store it.
  2. Discard disposable equipment and gloves.
  3. Wash your hands.
35
Q

Applying a commercial unit heat pack: Step 5

A
  1. Make the individual comfortable and return the bed to its normal position. Raise the side rail if necessary and use a hospital bed.
  2. Report to your supervisor:
    - The time the warm soak was started
    - How long the soak lasted
    - The area of application
    - How the individual tolerated the procedure
    - Any unusual or abnormal observations
36
Q

Applying a commercial unit heat pack: Charting example

A

3/17/12 1000: Heat pack applied to Mrs, Jons’s left forearm for 20 minutes as ordered. Mrs. Jones reported that the application reduced her pain -L. Hill, CNA

37
Q

Applying Aquamatic Hydro-Thermal K-Pack: Step 1

A
  1. Assemble the equipment:
    - Aquamatic Hydro-Thermal (K-Pad) and the control unit
    - Cover for pad (pillowcase, flannel cover, or cover from manufacturer)
    - Disposable bed protector, if any potential exists for exposure to body fluids
    - Disposable gloves, if needed
  2. Wash your hands and apply gloves if there is a risk for exposure to body fluids
38
Q

Applying Aquamatic Hydro-Thermal K-Pack: Step 2

A
  1. Identify the patient, if you are in a facility.
  2. Tell the person that you are going to apply a warm compress where it will be applied
  3. Ensure the person’s privacy and comfort.
  4. Raise the bed to a comfortable working position, if you are using a hospital-type bed.
  5. Help the person to a comfortable position and expose the body area for application of a warm compress
  6. Place a disposable bed protector under the body area that is to be given the K-pad.
  7. Inspect the K-pad for leaks, and make sure the cord and plug are in safe working condition.
  8. Plug the cover into an electrical outlet.
  9. Place the pad in the cover. Do not use pins.
  10. Place the unit on the bedside table. Arrange the tubing at the level of the bed.
  11. Do not allow the tubing to hang below the bed.
39
Q

Applying Aquamatic Hydro-Thermal K-Pack: Step 3

A
  1. Gently apply the pad in its cover on the proper dry body areas.
  2. Check the skin every 5 minutes.
    - If it appears red, stop the treatment, cover the area with a towel, and report the findings to the nurse or supervisor.
    - Document as required.
  3. Follow the instructions as to the length of the application.
40
Q

Applying Aquamatic Hydro-Thermal K-Pack: Step 4

A
  1. Clean the equipment and return it to its proper place.
  2. Discard disposable equipment and gloves.
  3. Wash your hands.
41
Q

Applying Aquamatic Hydro-Thermal K-Pack: Step 5

A
  1. Make the individual comfortable and return the bed to its normal position. Raise the side rail if necessary and use a hospital bed.
  2. Report to your supervisor:
    - The time the warm soak was started
    - How long the soak lasted
    - The area of application
    - How the individual tolerated the procedure
    - Any unusual or abnormal observations
42
Q

Applying Aquamatic Hydro-Thermal K-Pack: Charting Example

A

3/17/12 1000: K-Pad set at 98F and applied to Mrs. Jones’s back for 20 minutes as ordered. Mrs. Jones reported that the application reduced her pain -L. Hill, CNA

43
Q

Applying a Portable Chair-Type Sitz Bath: Step 1

A
  1. Assemble the equipment:
    - Portable chair with built-in sitz bath
    - Bath towels
    - Bath blanket
    - Bath thermometer
    Plastic laundry bag
    - Disposable gloves
  2. Wash your hands and apply gloves.
44
Q

Applying a Portable Chair-Type Sitz Bath: Step 2

A
  1. Identify the patient, if you are in a facility.
  2. Tell the person that you are going to apply a warm compress where it will be applied
  3. Ensure the person’s privacy and comfort.
  4. Bring the stiz bath into the person’s room, or help the individual into the bathroom with the chair-type sitz bath.
  5. Fill it half full with water. Check the temperature to be sure it is about 90F to 100F.
  6. Place a towel on the seat and on the front edge of the sitz bath.
  7. Help the individual undress, except for gown and slippers.
45
Q

Applying a Portable Chair-Type Sitz Bath: Step 3

A
  1. Help the person to sit down in the sitz bath. Hold his gown up so it does not get wet.
  2. Cover the shoulders with a bath blanket, if he complains of being cold.
  3. Check every 5 minutes.
    - If the person feels weak or faint, stop the treatment.
    - Turn on the call light for help getting the person out of the tub.
    - Let the water out of the tub.
  4. Continue the treatment for 10 to 20 minutes, or as directed.
  5. Gently pat his body dry with a towel,a nd assist him in redressing.
  6. Help the person back into bed or to a chair as needed.
46
Q

Applying a Portable Chair-Type Sitz Bath: Step 4

A
  1. Clean the sitz tub with a disinfectant cleaner.
  2. Put the portable, chair-type tub back into its proper place.
  3. Discard gloves.
  4. Wash your hands.
47
Q

Applying a Portable Chair-Type Sitz Bath: Step 5

A
  1. Make the individual comfortable and return the bed to its normal position. Raise the side rail if necessary and use a hospital bed.
  2. Report to your supervisor:
    - The time the warm soak was started
    - How long the soak lasted
    - The area of application
    - How the individual tolerated the procedure
    - Any unusual or abnormal observations
48
Q

Applying a Portable Chair-Type Sitz Bath: Charting example

A

3/17/12 1000: Portable sitz bath given for 20 minutes as ordered. Mrs. Jones reported that the procedure reduced her pain -L. Hill, CNA

49
Q

Applying a Disposable Sitz Bath: Step 1

A
  1. Assemble the equipment:
    - Disposable sitz bath basin with bag and tubing
    - Bath towels
    - Bath blanket
    - Bath thermometer
    - Plastic laundry bag
    - Disposable gloves
  2. Wash your hands and apply gloves.
50
Q

Applying a Disposable Sitz Bath: Step 2

A
  1. Identify the patient, if you are in a facility.
  2. Tell the person that you are going to apply a warm compress where it will be applied
  3. Ensure the person’s privacy and comfort.
  4. Help the individual into the bathroom with the disposable sitz bath.
  5. Fill the stiz bathtwo-thirds with water that is 100F - 104F if the purpose is to clean the perineal area. If the purpose is to reduce pain or to stimulate circulation, the water temperature should be 105F - 110F. CHeck the water temperature with a bath thermometer.
  6. Help the individual undress, except for gown and slippers.
51
Q

Applying a Disposable Sitz Bath: Step 3

A
  1. Help the person to sit down in the sitz bath. Hold his gown up so it does not get wet.
  2. Cover the shoulders with a bath blanket, if he complains of being cold.
  3. Check every 5 minutes.
    - If the person feels weak or faint, stop the treatment.
  4. Use the value on the tubing connected to the bag refill the stiz bath with hot water if needed.
  5. Continue the treatment for 10 to 20 minutes, or as directed.
  6. Gently pat his body dry with a towel,a nd assist him in redressing.
  7. Help the person back into bed or to a chair as needed.
52
Q

Applying a Disposable Sitz Bath: Step 4

A
  1. Clean the sitz tub with a disinfectant cleaner. It can be used multiple times for the individual.
  2. Store the equipment.
  3. Bag and dispose of dirty towels in the laundry hamper.
  4. Discard gloves.
  5. Wash your hands.
53
Q

Applying a Disposable Sitz Bath: Step 5

A
  1. Make the individual comfortable and return the bed to its normal position. Raise the side rail if necessary and use a hospital bed.
  2. Report to your supervisor:
    - The time the warm soak was started
    - How long the soak lasted
    - The area of application
    - How the individual tolerated the procedure
    - Any unusual or abnormal observations
54
Q

Applying a Disposable Sitz Bath: Charting example

A

3/17/12 1000: Portable sitz bath given for 20 minutes as ordered. Mrs. Jones reported that the application reduced her pain -L. Hill, CNA

55
Q

Sitz bath

A

A bath in which a person a person sits in water up to the hips.
- It is used to relieve pain and discomfort in the lower part of the body and is administered to bathe the perineal area of patients with specific conditions.
- Conditions for which individuals are prescribed a sitz bath:
- hemorrhoids
- anal fissures
- rectal surgery
- episiotomy
- uterine cramps
- inflammatory bowel disease
- various infections of the bladder, prostate, and vagina
-The sitz bath helps to keep the area clean and increase blood flow to the area

56
Q

Procedure for Applying an Ice Bag or Dry Cold Application

A

Step 1: Assemble the Equipment
Step 2: Ready the Individual
Step 3: Complete the Procedure
Step 4: Clean the Area and Equipment
Step 5: Follow-Up

56
Q

A ____ helps to decrease circulation and bleeding and is used to treat sprains and fractures by reducing pain and swelling.

A

a cold application

57
Q

Applying an Ice Bag or Dry Cold Application: Step 1

A
  1. Assemble the Equipment
    - Ice pack
    - Flannel cover
    - Ice in a clean container
    - Bath blanket
    - Disposable gloves, if any potential exists for exposure to bodily fluids
  2. Wash your hands and apply gloves, if indicated.
58
Q

Applying an Ice Bag or Dry Cold Application: Step 2

A
  1. Identify the patient, if you are in a facility.
  2. Tell the person that you are going to apply an ice pack and explain where you are going to apply it.
  3. Ensure where you are going to apply it.
  4. Raise the bed to a comfortable position, if using a hospital bed.
  5. Help the patient into a comfortable position, safe position.
  6. Expose the area to be treated.
  7. Fill the ice pack half full of ice.
  8. Squeeze the sides of the ice pack to force the air out of it.
  9. Fasten the top tightly.
  10. Dry the outside of the ice pack with a paper towel.
  11. Invert the ice pack to test it for leaking.
  12. Place the ice pack into the cover.
59
Q

Applying an Ice Bag or Dry Cold Application: Step 3

A
  1. Apply the ice pack to the proper area of the body.
  2. If the person is cold or chilly, cover him with a blanket. Do no cover the ice pack or the area being treated.
  3. Follow the order to determine the duration of the application.
  4. Replace the ice as necessary.
60
Q

Applying an Ice Bag or Dry Cold Application: Step 4

A
  1. Clean the equipment and put it in its proper place.
  2. Discard the disposable equipment and gloves.
  3. Wash hands.
61
Q

Applying an Ice Bag or Dry Cold Application: Step 5

A
  1. Make sure the person is comfortable and return the bed to its normal position. Raise the side rails of necessary.
  2. Report to your supervisor:
    -The time the ice pack was applied
    - How long it remained in place
    - The area of application
    - How the individual tolerated the procedure
    - Any unusual or abnormal observations
62
Q

Applying an Ice Bag or Dry Cold Application: Charting example

A

3/17/12 1000: An ice pack was applied to Mr. Jenkins’ right ankle for 20 minutes as ordered. Mr. Jenkins reports the cold helped reduce his ankle pain. -L. Hill, CNA

63
Q

Procedure for Applying a Commercial Unit Cold Pack

A

Step 1: Assemble the Equipment
Step 2: Ready the Individual
Step 3: Complete the Procedure
Step 4: Clean the Area and Equipment
Step 5: Follow-Up

64
Q

Applying a Commercial Unit Cold Pack: Step 1

A
  1. Assemble the Equipment
    - Commerical unit, single-use cold pack
    - Cold pack cover used in your institution
    - Bath blanket
    - Disposable gloves, if any potential exists for exposure to bodily fluids
  2. Wash your hands and apply gloves, if indicated.
65
Q

Applying a Commercial Unit Cold Pack: Step 2

A
  1. Identify the patient, if you are in a facility.
  2. Tell the person that you are going to apply an cold pack and explain where you are going to apply it.
  3. Ensure privacy and comfort for the patient.
  4. Raise the bed to a comfortable position, if using a hospital bed.
  5. Help the patient into a comfortable position, safe position.
  6. Expose the area to be treated.
  7. Place the flannel cover on the cold pack
  8. Hit or squeeze the cold pack to activate it, according to the manufacturer’s directions
66
Q

Applying a Commercial Unit Cold Pack: Step 3

A
  1. Apply the ice pack to the proper area of the body.
  2. If the person is cold or chilly, cover him with a blanket. Do no cover the ice pack or the area being treated.
  3. Check the skin under the application every 5 minutes
    - If the skin appears blue, blanched or white, remove the pack and cover the area with a blanket.
    - Report the observation to the nurse or physician
  4. Follow the order to determine the duration of the application.
67
Q

Applying a Commercial Unit Cold Pack: Step 4

A
  1. Clean the equipment and put it in its proper place.
  2. Discard the disposable equipment and gloves.
  3. Wash hands.
68
Q

Applying a Commercial Unit Cold Pack: Step 5

A
  1. Make sure the person is comfortable and return the bed to its normal position. Raise the side rails of necessary.
  2. Report to your supervisor:
    -The time the ice pack was applied
    - How long it remained in place
    - The area of application
    - How the individual tolerated the procedure
    - Any unusual or abnormal observations
69
Q

Applying a Commercial Unit Cold Pack: Charting example

A

3/17/12 1000: A cold pack was applied to Mr. Jenkins’ right ankle for 20 minutes as ordered. Mr. Jenkins reports the cold helped reduce his ankle pain. -L. Hill, CNA

70
Q

Important guidelines for warm and cold applications

A
  1. Time of Application
    - Adhere to the length of time the phyciain orders for the application
    - The skin can be damaged if an application is not used correctly
    - Some people may not complain that the application is too hot, too cold, or causing pain on the skin.
  2. Monitoring
    - Carefully monitor any individual who has a warm or cold application applied.
    - The body can be frozen or burned very quickly in some conditions.
    - You should check the skin every five minutes.
    - If there is too much redness or skin discoloration, stop the treatment immediately
    - If the person’s lips or eyelids turn blue or a darker color, it shows that the person is becoming hypothermic.
    - If the body turns bluish or a darkened color, it means that less oxygen is getting to that part of the body; cyanosis
  3. Age-Specific Considerations
    - Remember that adolescents are often very concerned about privacy.
    - For older individuals, it is important to monitor the temperature of the soaks carefully. Aging results in thinning of the skin and increased potential for burns.
    - For all people, be very careful of treatments that involve water. Equipment that leaks or melting bags or bottles can lead to an increased potential for slipping and falling.
  4. Cultural Considerations
    - Some cultures require and some people prefer to receive care from those of the same sex.
    - Always check with the individual to see if this is the case.
    - This is especially important with a stiz bath
  5. Customer Service
    - Many treatments can be uncomfortable or embarrassing
    - If you see that an individual is reluctant to accept your help with an application, such as a stiz bath, allow as much privacy as possible without compromising safety.
71
Q

Keeping patients comfortable

A
  1. Always follow any policies that have been established for applying these types of applications
  2. Always know exactly what is to be done and where to do it.
  3. Check the application often to keep it at the correct temperature throughout the prescribed time period.
  4. Make sure the patient is comfortable.
  5. Position the individual so that the area is conveniently accessible for the treatment
  6. Monitor the person’s body temperature and adjust the blankets or covering appropriately
  7. Ensure that the weight of any application does not cause injury or pain
72
Q

Keeping patients safe

A
  1. Be careful not to spill water.
  2. Always dry your hands before touching electrical equipment
  3. Make sure the individual is properly protected such as raising the ed rails if using a hospital bed.
  4. Get assistance if you are unsure about how to operate a piece of equipment or commercial product.
  5. Know and follow established policies for safe temperature ranges and settings.
  6. Know how to read thermometers correctly.
  7. Understand that some patients are less able to tolerate heat and cold applications and monitor them carefully.
  8. Follow the time of treatment prescribed by the physician carefully and never leave a treatment on an individual longer than 20 minutes unless ordered differently.
  9. Use sterile compresses where there is an open wound or when the application is on an area that is vulnerable to infection.
  10. Always check the person’s skin under the application to ensure that it is not too hot or too cold, or discolored in any way.
  11. Take extra care if working with an unconscious person by placing a pad between the skin and application
73
Q
A

Section 1: PCT Certification (10 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions