heat & cold applications
TRANSCRIPT
BICOL UNIVERSITY POLANGUI CAMPUS
Level I CIs
HEAT & COLD APPLICATIONS
HEAT APPLICATION - indicationsPromotes circulation to an injured area;
promotes healingAids in removing debris from infected woundRelieves muscle spasmRelieves pain (muscular relaxation)Overcomes feelings of chillinessRaises body temp
COLD APPLICATION - indicationsLimits accumulation of edemaControls bleedingRelieves painProduces an anesthetic effectReduces body temp
RULE OF THUMB:Use cold application immediately after injury
Use heat to promote comfort and to improve circulation, later
HEAT = VASODILATIONCOLD = VASOCONSTRICTION
THE EFFECTS… (HEAT & COLD)
Local
Systemic
Effects of Heat Local Systemic
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
Increased C/OIncreased pulmonary
ventilationDecreased BP
Effects of Cold Local Systemic
Reduces bld flow, O2, metabolites, wastes
Lowers tempPallor, coolnessControls bleedingSports injuries
DA: impaired circulation, cell deprivation, damage to tissues
Increased BPShivering
NURSING PRECAUTIONS
Neurosensory impairment
Impaired mental status
Impaired circulation Surgery Open wounds
BODY PARTSIZE OF THE EXPOSED
BODY PARTINDIVIDUAL TOLERANCE
LENGTH OF EXPOSUREINTACTNESS OF SKIN
VARIABLES AFFECTINGTolerance to Heat and Cold
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
Description Temperature Application
Very cold < 15 C Ice bags
Cold 15 – 18 C Cold pack
Cool 18 – 27 C Cold compress
TEPID 27 – 37 C TSB
Warm 37 – 40 C Warm bath
Hot 40 – 46 C Hot soak, irrigations, HC
Very hot > 46 C HWB
Methods of Heat & Cold Application
I. Dry HWB Aquathermia Pad Hot & Cold Packs Heat Cradle / heat
Lamp Ice Bag/collar Hypo/
hyperthermia blankets
II. Moist 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 time-
to-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. Check temp at 15 mins; and after 30 – 60 mins.
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…
END