Chapter 18 applying heat and cold therapies

A client asks why a moist cold pack is prescribed for an injury. What should the nurse respond to this client?

"Moist cold penetrates faster and deeper than dry cold."

The nurse instructs a client to apply heat to an infected hangnail. Which client statement indicates teaching has been effective?

"My body's ability to fight off infection will be enhanced by allowing more white blood cells to get to the wound."

A client is prescribed a heating pad to be placed on the lower back. When should the nurse teach the client to remove the heating pad to prevent rebound phenomenon?

25 to 30 minutes

A client with a sprained wrist is prescribed cold therapy. Which should the nurse explain about this treatment as compared to heat therapy?

"Cold therapy decreases swelling and pressure on nearby nerves, which helps decrease pain."

A client seeks medical attention for a burn located on the lower back. Which question should the nurse ask to determine how the burn occurred?

"Were you lying on a heating pad?"

The nurse is reviewing clients scheduled for a whirlpool bath. For which clients should the nurse take special precautions? Select all that apply. A client who has been sedated to undergo a procedure A 70-year-old client A client with a wound that requires debridement A client with physical therapy scheduled An 8-year-old client

A client who has been sedated to undergo a procedure A 70-year-old client An 8-year-old client

The nurse is caring for a group of clients. For which client should the nurse monitor more closely when using hot or cold therapy? Select all that apply. A 58-year-old with appendicitis A 79-year-old with prostate cancer A 45-year-old with rheumatoid arthritis A 1-year-old with an ear infection A 62-year-old with heart disease

A 58-year-old with appendicitis A 79-year-old with prostate cancer A 1-year-old with an ear infection A 62-year-old with heart disease

While bathing a client, the nurse finds that the client's previous IV site is tender, and the vein feels hard upon palpation, indicating inflammation. Which should the nurse apply to the site?

A warm compress using a washcloth dipped in hot water

A client is prescribed a heat pack to be applied to an area of inflammation on the lower leg. What should the nurse do before placing the pack on the client's skin?

Apply a cloth barrier

An older client with hip pain reports that continuous heat has been the most effective means of relieving pain. After confirming that the client has an order for heat therapy, which method should the nurse select?

Aquathermia K-pad

The nurse is preparing to apply a warm pack to a client experiencing back spasms. Which should the nurse do before application?

Assess the skin for edema and color.

A client is prescribed sitz baths after hemorrhoid surgery. What should the nurse do before providing the client with this bath?

Measure orthostatic blood pressure.

The nurse assesses the skin of a client receiving a heat pack and decides to remove the pack. What skin color did the nurse assess to make this clinical determination?

Red

A client is prescribed a cold pack to be placed over several arm wounds. Which should the nurse expect to occur after applying this therapy? Select all that apply. Reduced pain Muscle relaxation Decreased bleeding Prevention of edema Increased cellular metabolism

Reduced pain Muscle relaxation Decreased bleeding Prevention of edema

A client receiving a cold pack complains of the skin feeling cold. Which action should the nurse take?

Remove the pack.

A client is approved to use a heating pad at home. Which should the nurse emphasize when teaching the client about the use of this device?

Set a timer for no longer than 20 to 30 minutes.

The nurse removes an ice pack that was placed on the client's skin 10 minutes ago. For which reason did the nurse remove the pack?

Skin was mottled

The nurse applies a cooling blanket to a client with a temperature of 105.4°F. Which should the nurse recognize as an indication of therapeutic effectiveness?

The temperature slowly falls to 100°F

A client is prescribed to apply cold therapy to an inflamed area on the leg. Which should the nurse instruct the client to do to prepare a cold pack at home? Select all that apply. 1. Use a refillable bag 2. Apply directly to the area 3. Expel any air from the bag 4. Place ice and water in the bag 5. Fill the bag one-half to two-thirds full

Use a refillable bag Expel any air from the bag Place ice and water in the bag Fill the bag one-half to two-thirds full

A client is prescribed warm moist heat application four times a day. Which should the nurse apply directly to the skin area?

Warm moist towel

A client who was lost in the woods hiking has a body temperature of 95°F. Which treatment should the nurse anticipate providing to improve this client's body temperature?

Warming blanket

A client is prescribed a cold compress to the forehead. Which items should the nurse use to make this compress?

Washcloth and zip-type plastic bag