Whirlpool Flashcards
the utilization of tanks of water for partial or total body immersion
hydrotherapy
process where water is agitated and mixed with air to be directed against or around the affected part. Patient can move extremities easily because of buoyancy and is therapeutic
hydrotherapy
the upward force of water and amount of water displacement that helps patient move easily
buoyancy
ease or resistance of movement of fluid molecules
viscosity
H2O heat absorbing capacity of water and amount of heat required to make change
specific heat
indications for hydrotherapy (7):
- exercise
- pain control
- edema/swelling management
- RA
- subacute/chronic MSK conditions
- treatment of open wounds, decubiti
- treatment of burns
local immersion precautions (4):
- decreased temperature sensation
- impaired cognition
- recent skin graft
- deconditioned state
full body immersion precautions (5):
- confusion/disorientation
- decreased strength/ endurance/ balance/ ROM
- medications
- urinary incontinence
- hydrophobia
- alcohol ingestion
precautions for hot or very warm water (3):
- pregnancy
- MS
- impaired thermal regulatory system
local immersion CONTRAindications (2):
- bleeding
- wound maceration
full body immersion CONTRAindications (5):
- cardiac instability
- profound epilepsy
- suicidal patients
- bowel incontinence
- infections that can be spread by water
types of whirlpool tanks (3):
- extremity tanks
- low boy or high boy tanks
- hubbard tanks
for immersion of distal extremity; small ~25 gallons
extremity tanks
for immersion of larger parts of extremities (up to waist); ~200 gallons
low boy or high boy tanks
for total body immersion, used in the treatment of burns with large surface area. Used for ROM for multiple area. And also sometimes used for exercise if pool is contraindicated.
hubbard tanks
whirlpool treatment temperature (extremities):
103-110 degrees
hubbard tank treatment temperature (full body):
100 degrees
whirlpool treatment for PVD:
95-100 degrees
whirlpool treatment open wounds
92-96 degrees
Whirlpool set-up forced recall:
- Pick an appropriate temperature based on diagnosis and treatment goals
- Fill tank immediately prior to treatment to prevent significant changes in water temperature
- standard precautions
- check patient’s VS
- Immerse effected area into the water
- adjust and power on agitator
- monitor and adjust as necessary (force, direction, depth, etc)
- End of tx: dry and inspect
woundcare universal precautions:
- gloves
- waterproof gown
- goggles and mask
- remove any bandages
- liners should be used for patients with burns or wounds, or those who are infected with bloodborne pathogens
treatment time:
10-30 minutes (closer to 30 mins if other interventions/procedures are also being done
documentation (7):
- type of hydrotherapy used
- temperature of the water
- patient position, activity
- treatment time
- response to treatment
- skin integrity
- any changes
