Heat & Cold Applications

HEAT & COLD APPLICATIONS BICOL UNIVERSITY POLANGUI CAMPUS Level I CIs

HEAT APPLICATION indications Promotes circulation to an injured area; promotes healing Aids in removing debris from infected wound Relieves muscle spasm Relieves pain (muscular relaxation) Overcomes feelings of chilliness Raises body temp

COLD APPLICATION indications Limits accumulation of edema Controls bleeding Relieves pain Produces an anesthetic effect Reduces body temp

RULE OF THUMB: Use cold application immediately after injury Use heat to promote comfort and to improve

circulation, later

HEAT = VASODILATION COLD = VASOCONSTRICTION

THE EFFECTS… (HEAT & COLD) Local Systemic

Effects of Heat Local Inc. bld flow, O2, nutri,

antibodies, WBCs Aches, pains, comfort, relief Accelerates inflammatory process Soft tissue healing, inc. suppuration Joint stiffness (arthritis, contractures, LBP, open wounds needing debridement) DA: edema

Systemic Increased C/O Increased pulmonary

ventilation Decreased BP

Effects of Cold Local Reduces bld flow, O2,

metabolites, wastes Lowers temp Pallor, coolness Controls bleeding Sports injuries DA: impaired circulation,

cell deprivation, damage to tissues

Systemic Increased BP Shivering

NURSING PRECAUTIONS ü Neurosensory impairment ü Impaired mental status ü Impaired circulation ü Surgery ü Open wounds

VARIABLES AFFECTING Tolerance to Heat and Cold üBODY PART üSIZE OF THE EXPOSED BODY PART üINDIVIDUAL TOLERANCE üLENGTH OF EXPOSURE üINTACTNESS OF SKIN

Pointers The selection of temperature depends on factors (i.e.

duration of application, pt’s condition, skin condition and sensitivity)

Maximum safe limits of both can be tolerated without

discomfort or tissue damage H & C receptors adapt to temp changes

Pointers Infants & children do not tolerate H&C well. Use

appropriate temp per age group.

For emergency use: use a bag of frozen vegetables. HWB/Ice caps should not be placed directly over

client’s skin. Check for any untoward changes time-to-time!

TEMPERATURES FOR H & C Applications

Methods of Heat & Cold Application I. Dry HWB Aquathermia Pad Hot & Cold Packs Heat Cradle / heat Lamp ü Ice Bag/collar ü Hypo/hyperthermia blankets ü ü ü ü

II. Moist ü ü ü ü ü

Compresses Packs Soaks Sitz bath Sponge Bath

NURSING INTERVENTIONS - HWB  Measure TEMP: N adult : 52C,

Debilitated / Unconscious adult : 40.5 – 46C, < 2y/o: 40.5 -46C.  Fill 2/3 full. Place on a flat surface.  Expel air, secure cap. Hold upside down.  Wrap.  Apply 20-30mins. Assess area timeto-time.

NURSING INTERVENTIONS – Ice cap  Fill ice cap up to 2/3 full.  Pour water over the cubes. Twist the

top and cap.  Check for leaks.  Wrap.  Apply 20-30 min/area.  Assess skin time-to-time.

NURSING INTERVENTIONS – TSB  Check ct’s V/S.  Protect ct’s bed. Warm the room. Drape

ct.  Prepare ice caps, HWB, water.  Add ice chips to the water gradually.  Sponge: face, arms, legs (3-5mins). Slowly and gently. Back, buttocks (10mins).  Leave each area wet, cover with damp towel.  Place ice caps (forehead); HWB (feet).  Continue up to 25 - 30 mins.  Pat dry.

MAJOR COMPLICATION REBOUND PHENOMENON  Turns out to be the opposite effect  Heat VD VC; Cold VC VD  Occurs at the time the maximum therapeutic effect of the hot or cold application is achieved and the opposite effect begins

 NURSING

IMPLICATION???

Thank you…

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