Whirlpool Flashcards
1
Q
Hydrotherapy
A
Utilization of tanks of water by partial or total body immersion
- water is agitated and mixed with air to be directed against or around the affected area
- pt can move extremities easily because of buoyancy and therapeutic ?
- superficial heating by convection
2
Q
Indications for hydrotherapy
A
- exercise
- pain control
- edema / swelling management
- RA
- suacute / chronic MSK conditions (neck, shoulders, back, hips)
- treatment of open wounds, decubiti
- treatment of burns
3
Q
Precautions
A
- local immersion: decreased temperature sensation, impaired cognition, recent skin graft, deconditioned state
- full body immersion: confusion / disorientation, decreased strength / endurance / balance / ROM, meds, urinalysis incontinence, hydrophobia, alcohol ingestion
- for hot or very warm water: pregnancy, MS, impaired thermal regulatory system
4
Q
Contras
A
- local immersion: bleeding, wound maceration
- full body immersion: cardiac instability, profound epilepsy, suicidal pts, bowel incontinence, infections that can be spread by water
5
Q
Extremity tanks
A
For immersion of a distal ex.
- small, 25 gallons
6
Q
Low boy or high boy tanks
A
For immersion of larger parts of ex (up to waist)
- 200+ gallons
7
Q
Hubbard tanks
A
For total body immersion
- very large
- used in treatment of burns with large surface area
- used for TOM for multiple areas
- exercise (if pool is contraindicated)
8
Q
Turbine
A
Mixes air and water to provide agitation (turbulence)
9
Q
Pic
A
Pic
10
Q
Treatment temps
A
- Whirlpool: 103-110 (extremities)
- Hubbard tank: 100 (full body)
- PVD: 95-100
- Open wounds: 92-96
11
Q
Whirlpool set up
A
- Pick an appropriate temp based on diagnosis and treatment goals. Fill tank immediately prior to treatment to prevent significant changes in water temp
- Fill tank to proper level
- Standard precautions
- Check the pts vitals (BP, HR)
- Immerse effected area into the water
- Adjust and power on agitator (force, direction, depth, etc)
- Monitor and adjust as necessary
- End of treatment: dry and inspect
12
Q
Set up for wound care
A
- Universal precautions (gloves, waterproof gown, goggles and mask)
- If bandages are present, remove! If they are stuck, immerse in water the gently take them off, but DO NOT turn on the turbine!
- Liners can be used for pts with burns or wounds, or those who are infected with blood borne pathogens
13
Q
Whirlpool treatment
A
- Make sure the pt is comfy. Add padding as needed to minimize compression
- Adjust the turbine to get the desired amount of agitation
- Stay with the patient throughout the treatment!
- Continue to monitor VS, esp with colder and hotter temps
- pt can perform exercise if indicated
- Treatment time 10-30 min. Closer to 30 min if other interventions / procedures are also being done
- Remove the body part, dry off, and check the skin (look for granulation tissue)
14
Q
Clean it up
A
- universal precautions
- tank must be washed with both a cleanser and a disinfectant
- each facility will have their own protocol
15
Q
General cleaning procedure
A
- drain, rinse, wipe
- wash tank, agitators, drains, thermometer, and equipment with disinfectant diluted with warm water. Allow disinfectant to stand for at least 1 min
- place agitator in bucket filled with disinfectant, covering all openings with solution and turn on agitator for a least 20-30 sec (turn off motor and remove from bucket)
- rinse, repeat, rinse
- wipe and dry
