Skills Check: Heat and Cold

Question 1

What are some contraindications for cold therapy (ice, etc)

Answer 1

1. Rheumatoid conditions
2. Raynaud’s disease
3. Circulatory insufficiency (blood clots, etc.)

Question 2

What are some contraindications for heat therapy?

Answer 2

1. Peripheral vascular disease
2. malignancy (cancer)
3. circulatory insufficiency

Question 3

What are the steps to applying heat/cold to a patient?

Answer 3

1.) introduce and hand sanitize
2.) let the patient know you would like to apply hot or cold pack
3.) ask if they have any contraindications as to why they should not use the heat or cold
4.) do a sensation test with their eyes closed
5.) if they pass the sensation test, apply ice and elevate if needed (APPLY 6 LAYERS between the pack and skin; 4 from the pack itself, 2 from a towel)