The nurse understands that the most significant rationale for the application of heat to an area of contusion 72 hours after the injury is to:
1. Prevent abscess formation.
2. Promote muscle relaxation.
3. Reabsorb blood from the injured tissue.
4. Reduce the likelihood of strain as a complication.
3
Rationale: The primary benefit from applying heat to a contusion is to speed up the rate of absorption of blood that has hemorrhaged into the affected soft tissue. Although heat also promotes muscle relaxation, this is not the intended benefit of this therapy in treating a contusion. Heat is not applied to reduce abscess formation or prevent muscle strain.
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