Modaltities Thermal Lab Flashcards
KNOW: We would use heat for arthritis because of the stifness (make sure RA is not flared when doing it)
All contraindications for heat
Vascular insufficiency (wouldnt want more blood in broken vessels) (ask / look for brusing / skin discoloration)
Lack of thermal sensation (test w/ ice cube / heat) (test / ask)
Hemorrhage (ask)
Malignancy (ask)
Acute inflammation (ask)
Infection (ask)
Liniment/heat rub has been applied (previous heat was already applied) (ask)
What kind of pts might not have good sensation?
Diabetes (think peripheral neuropathy)
Not a bad idea to do heat w/ them just make sure they have sensation
NOTE: we would want to check for allergies before doing paraffin
* this is because of the weird oils in it
* NOTE: we could test this by just putting a drop on them before treatment and wait a little bit
How to do parafin:
* First check for contraindication / allergies
* Explain how paraffin works to the pt
* Inspect skin for wounds, cuts, sores, etc. (all must be covered prior to treatment)
* Have pt remove jewlery (try and also remove freshly applied lotion)
* make sure you have all the supplies around you need (towel / bag / sticker)
Explain how to do paraffin
* how long should they leave it on?
First dip to cover treatment area + 2 inches
After each dip, lift body part out of bath and hold until DRIPPING stops, then dip again
Dip 6-10 times (depends on how long you want to hold it under = longer creates bigger layer)
Cover treament area w/ a plastic bag then wrap with a towel or sleeve
Set pt in a comrotable resting period for 15-20 minutes
Leave call bell
Peel it off at end
ask about pain level / stiffness before and after (test and retest)
often indicated for OA/RA pts (w/o flare ups) / plantar fascitits (more chronic swelling)
How often do you need to check in on heat modality pts?
every 5 minutes
How long do you leave heat pads on for?
15-20 minutes
If I had a knee replacement 6 months ago can I use heat?
Yes, there isnt acute swelling anymore
If I had a knee repalcement 2 days ago should I use heat?
No, there is still active acute swelling there
Would you add a heat pad to an open wound?
No
How to put a hot pad on a pt
* How long is treatment
Start by checking for contra indications
explain procedure to pt
assess skin for sensation, wounds, infection, edema
Use tongs o remove moist hot pack from hydrocollator and select appropriate hot pad for the area
put 6-8 layers on hot pack
once applied ask pt how it feels (should be cooler at first but will get hotter)
check in w/ pt every 5 minutes and check skin (if to hot add layers)
15-20 minute treatment time
Must be put back into hydrocollator for 30 minutes prior to next use
Would you use heating pads for OA/RA?
Yes! very good treatment for this as long as they don’t have flare ups
how many layers do you need for hot packs?
6-8
Terrys lining counts as how many layers
2
