A patient is diagnosed with a sprain to her right ankle after a fall. The patient asks the nurse about using ice on her injured ankle. What is the nurse's best response?
a. "Use ice only when the ankle hurts."
b. "Ice should be applied for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours over the next 1 to 2 days."
c. "Wrap an ice pack around the injured ankle for the next 24 to 48 hours."
d. "Ice is not recommended for use on the sprain because it would inhibit the inflammatory response."
ANS: B
Ice is used on areas of injury during the first 24 to 48 hours after the injury occurs to prevent damage to surrounding tissues from excessive inflammation. Ice should be used for a maximum of 20 minutes at a time every 2 to 3 hours. Ice must be used according to a schedule for it to be effective and not be overused. Using ice more often or for longer periods of time can cause additional tissue damage. Ice is recommended to inhibit the inflammatory process from damaging surrounding tissue.
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