Chapter 54- Heat and Cold Applications

The first effect of tepid sponge on skin is blood vessel constriction. It maybe soothing, but may not prosuce a marked temperature drop unless used about 30minutes.

Tepid baths are inadvisable for people with inelastic arteries, with arthritis, or lowered resistance to disease and very young children. Do not use alcohol in tepid baths.

The most appropriate method of heat application involves a healthcare provider order, slow application, and feedback from client on effect.

True

When applying a cold compress, if the client complains of numbness or the skin appears white or spotty, the cold application should be removed immediately.

True

Which should the nurse ensure when assisting the client with a sitz bath?

provide a stool to support the legs

Which should the nurse do when applying warm compress to a client's eyes?

send reusable equipment for sterilization

Which should the nurse consider when providing a tepid sponge bath to a client?

stop sponging as the client's temperature approaches normal

Which step should the nurse follow for disassembling the aquathermia pad?

unplug the unit and discard the aquathermia pad

A nurse is using a hypothermia blanket for a client with a very high temperature. Which should the nurse keep in mind when caring for this client?

Check the client's core temperature frequently.

Write the correct sequence of the steps used to administer a tub soak to an arm with a wound.

1.Cover the client with a protective sheet, and prepare the water in the tub (37.8C to 40.6C) 2. Wear gloves and remove the dressing from the client's wound 3. Gradually lower the client's arm into the water, resting the elbow on the padded edge of the tub 4. Test the water's temperature frequently; add hot water carefully as needed, and stir the water 5. Remove the client's arm from the bath after 15 to 20 minutes or as ordered, and dry the client's skin 6. Apply a sterile dressing to the wound

A nurse is applying a warm moist compress to a client. What is an appropriate nursing intervention to retain the heat of the compress?

Apply an Aqua-K pad over the pack.

A nurse is applying a cold compress to a client with a fracture. Which statement accurately describes the interventions implemented during the procedure?

Apply the compress so that it is moist, but not dripping.

Waterproof pad through which flows temperature

Aquathermia

Used to treat muscle sprains and mild inflammations and for pain relief. Temperature - controlled, distilled water flows through the water proof pad.

Aquathermia (Aqua-K pad)

A client who has had rectal surgery has been prescribed a sitz bath. Which of the client's physiological functions is most at risk during a sitz bath and should be monitored by the nurse during the procedure?

Blood pressure

Moist heat is not used if there is inadequate arterial blood flow to a wound area.

Cold application is more effective than heat for sprains or other soft tissues. And is preferred treatment within the first 48 hours after injury.

A hypothermia blanket ( cooling blanket) is used catiously to treat intractable hyperthermia fever. The client's body temperature is checked constantly when using the hypothermia blanket , as with tepid sponge.

Cold humidity is commonly ordered for clients with breathing disorders. A child maybe placed in a croupette or a humidity (mist) tent. If a client has a tracheostomy, a "trach mask" is placed over the opening to provide humidity. A face tent is used to provide a high concentration of moisture in inhaled air.

Sitz baths are often used following childbirth or rectal/perineal surgery. Heat applications are contraindicated in clients with known cardiac conditions, those taking certain cardiac medications or antihyperstensives, and if the client is bleeding.

Cold prevents swelling (edema), however, cold usually will not reduce pre existing edema.

A client has had dry heat ordered for low back pain. What should the nurse do when providing dry heat treatment using an aquathermia pad?

Cover the pad with a pad cover or towel.

A client with a draining wound in the leg and has been prescribed a warm soak. What is the purpose of a warm soak? Group of answer choices

Loosens scabs and crusts

covered network of wires that emit heat

Electric heating pad

Heat causesvasoconstriction decreasing blood flow to an affected area.

False

When applying a heating pad, it is recommended to have the client lie directly on the pad.

False

Is placed over the client and circulates warm air around the client. It is often used before, during and after surgery, to assist client in maintaining normothermia

Forced-air warming blanket

Cold application prevents escape of heat from the body by slowing circulation, relieving congestion and muscle pain.

Goals for cold application: 1. Slows or stops the bleeding 2. Slows bacterial activity infection 3. Relieves pain and swelling 4. Reduces inflammation 5. Blocks pain receptors 6. Retards peristalsis in abdominal inflammation 7. Relieves pain in engorged breast 8. Controls pain and fluid loss 9. Diminshes muscle contraction 10. Slows the basal metabolism

a bed cradle that has a lamp, light bulb

Heat cradle

_____________________ indicates abnormally low body temperature.

Hypothermia

a plastic mattress pad

Hypothermia blanket

The application of cold can cause frostbite, which can be very serious. It may require extensive debridement, surgery, and or infections.

Many single-use ice bags particularly those with the capsule or crystals, become very cold and can cause frostbite rapidly. Use extrem caution when using them. If the client's skin become blanched or red, discontinue treatment immediately and check for further instructions.

The nurse is monitoring an ice bag being used on a client's ankle. What color of the client's skin indicates immediate removal of the ice bag?

Mottled

The nurse applies an aquathermia pad to a client for pain relief. What is the most common use for an aquathermia pad?

Muscle sprains

______________ is the term for expected body temperature indicating wellness.

Normothermia

What is the purpose of moist heat compresses? Group of answer choices

Relieving local pain

The purpose of a _____________ bath is to provide moist heat to the pelvic and perineal area.

Sitz

A nurse is educating a client who has been asked to take moist heat applications at home. Which condition may occur if there is prolonged exposure to moisture?

Skin maceration

What should the nurse do when assisting a client with a warm soak?

Stir the water to distribute heat evenly.

Clients at most risk for injury from heat application include those who are anesthetized or suffering from neurologic disorders.

True

Cold application causes ___________________, decreasing blood flow to an affected area.

Vasoconstriction

Application of heat to an affected area promotes ___________________, increasing blood flow to an area and promoting drainage of an affected site.

Vasodilation

In which condition does the nurse know that a sitz bath is contraindicated?

after active bleeding

A nurse is required to apply ice bags with capsules for a client with a muscle injury. Which should the nurse consider during the treatment? Group of answer choices

ask client to report sensations of burning pain

A nurse is assigned to assist a client with a foot soak. Which of the following should the nurse know are reasons for giving a warm soak? Select all that apply

it cleans draining wounds it loosens scabs and crusts it applies medications

A client has been asked to apply an ice pack after a tooth extraction. Which should the nurse t ell the client is the benefit of an ice pack?

it provides pain relief

Which step is involved in ultrasound heat therapy?

lubricating gel is applied to the client's skin

normal body temperature

normothermia