The nurse is applying an aquathermia pad to a client complaining of arthritic pain in the right knee. Which filler is appropriate for this unit?

Question

1. Sterile water
2. Normal saline
3. Tap water
4. Distilled water

Answer 1

4
Rationale 1: The water is contained, and does not come in contact with the client, so there is no need to use sterile water.
Rationale 2: The water is contained, and does not come in contact with the client, so there is no need to use saline.
Rationale 3: Tap water could corrode the device, making it malfunction.
Rationale 4: The unit should be filled with distilled water.
Global Rationale: The unit should be filled with distilled water because nondistilled or tap water could corrode the device, making it malfunction. The water is contained, and does not come in contact with the client, so there is no need to use sterile water or saline.