When applying heat or cold therapy to a wound, what should the nurse do?
a. Leave the therapy on each area no longer than 15 minutes.
b. Leave the therapy on each area no longer than 30 minutes.
c. When using heat, ensure the temperature is at least 135°F (57.2°C) before applying it.
d. When using cold, ensure the temperature is less than 32°F (0°C) before applying it.
A
Apply heat or cold therapies intermittently, leaving them on for no more than 15 minutes at a time in an area. This helps prevent tissue injury and also makes the therapy more effective by preventing rebound phenomenon. Temperatures should be kept between 59°F and 113°F (15°C and 45°C), depending on the type of therapy chosen and what is comfortable to the patient. Temperatures colder or hotter than those recommended can damage tissue.
You might also like to view...
Adjunctive therapies are used for which reason(s)? (Select all that apply.)
a. To increase self-esteem b. To promote interaction c. To enhance reality orientation d. To stimulate communication e. To increase energy
The nurse is working with a morbidly obese client who is seeking help to lose weight at a bariatric clinic. When planning this client's care, which nursing diagnosis is the priority?
A) Activity Intolerance B) Disturbed Body Image C) Defensive Coping D) Constipation
Speech with a monotonous tone and erratic volume may indicate:
a. otitis externa. b. hearing loss. c. serous otitis media. d. sinusitis.
The nurse is caring for a client who is being mechanically ventilated. Arterial blood gas analysis reveals respiratory acidosis. Which change in ventilator settings would the nurse anticipate?
1. Decrease in oxygen delivery 2. Decreased tidal volume of each breath 3. Increased respiratory rate 4. Increase in humidification of inspired air