Heat And Cold

Front 1

If a client has peripheral vascular disease, the nurse pays particular attention to what?

Back 1

the integrity of the extremities. EX: if the physician's order is to apply a cold compress to a lower extremity, the nurse should assess circulation to the legs by assessing for capillary refill, observing skin color, and palpating skin temperatures, distal pulses, and edematous area

Front 2

What influences the ability to perceive heat, cold, and pain?

Back 2

level of consciousness

Front 3

If a client is confused or unresponsive, the nurse must do what?

Back 3

make frequent observations of skin integrity after therapy begins

Front 4

Local application of heat and cold to an injured body part can be what?

Back 4

therapeutic

Front 5

Before using heat and cold therapy, however, the nurse must understand what?

Back 5

normal body responses to local temperature variations, assess the integrity of the body part, determine the client's ability to sense temperature variations, and ensure proper operation of equipment

Front 6

What is heat-loss mechanisms?

Back 6

sweating and vasodilation

Front 7

What is mechanisms promoting heat conservation?

Back 7

vasoconstriction and piloerection

Front 8

What is mechanisms promoting heat production?

Back 8

shivering

Front 9

Local responses to heat and cold occur where?

Back 9

through stimulation of temperature sensitive nerve endings within the skin.

Front 10

Normal temperature of the skin's surface is what?

Back 10

34 degrees C and 93.2 degrees F, but receptors usually adapt quickly to local temperature between 45 degree and 15 degree C (113 degree and 59 degree F)

Front 11

Excessive heat causes what kind of feeling?

Back 11

burning sensation

Front 12

Cold produces what kind of feeling?

Back 12

a numbing sensation before pain

Front 13

Prolonged exposure of the skin to cold results in what?

Back 13

a reflex vasodilation

Front 14

The cell's inability to recieve adequate blood flow and nutrients results in what?

Back 14

tissue ischemia

Front 15

If heat is applied for 1 hour or more, what happens?

Back 15

blood flow is reduced by a reflex vasoconstriction as the body attempts to control heat loss from the area.

Front 16

Continuous exposure to heat does what to the body?

Back 16

damages epithelial cells, causing redness, localized tenderness, and even blistering

Front 17

What happens what the skin is exposed to continuous cold?

Back 17

skin initially takes on a reddened appearance, followed by a bluish purple mottling with numbness and a burning type of pain.

Front 18

Factors influencing Heat and Cold tolerance

Back 18

*A person is better able to tolerate short exposure to temperature extremes. *Certain areas of the skin are more sensitive to temperature variations. These include the neck, inner aspect of the wrist and forearm, and perineal region. The foot and palm of the hand are less sensitive. *Exposed skin layers are more sensitive to temperature variations

Front 19

CONT: Factors influencing Heat and Cold tolerance

Back 19

*The body responds best to minor temperature adjustments. If a body part is cool and a hot stimulus touches the skin, the response is greater than if the skin were already warm. *A person has less tolerance to temperature changes to which a large are of the body is exposed.

Front 20

CONT: Factors influencing Heat and Cold tolerance

Back 20

*Tolerance to temperature variations changes with age. Clients who are very young and old are most sensitive to heat and cold. *If a client's physical condition reduces the reception or perception of sensory stimuli, tolerance to temperature extremes is high, but the risk of injury is also high. *Uneven temperature distribution suggests that the equipment is functioning improperly

Front 21

A prerequisite to using any heat or cold application is what?

Back 21

a physician's order, which should include the body site to be treated and the type, frequency, and duration of application

Front 22

For open wounds, what type of compress would you place to help improve circulation, relieve edema, and promote consolidation of pus and drainage?

Back 22

sterily, warm, moist compress

Front 23

Moist heat promotes what from the skin's surface?

Back 23

vasodilation and evaporation of heat

Front 24

Immersion of a body part in a warmed solution promotes what?

Back 24

circulation, lessen edema, increases muscle relaxation, and can provide a means to debride wounds and apply medicated solution

Front 25

What temperature should a nurse heat the water to for a warm soak?

Back 25

40.5 C to 43 C (105 to 110 F)

Front 26

How long should you change the water when using a warm soak?

Back 26

about 10 minutes

Front 27

Stiz bath

Back 27

a bath in which only the pelvic area is immersed in warm fluid

Front 28

The desired temperature for a sitz bath depends on what?

Back 28

whether the purpose is to promote relaxation or to clean a wound.

Front 29

It may be necessary to add warm water during the procedure, which normally last how long?

Back 29

20 minutes

Front 30

Advantages of moist applications

Back 30

*Reduces drying of skin and softens wound exudate. *Conforms well to body area being treated. *Moist heat penetrates deeply into tissue layers. *Does not promote sweating and insensible fluid loss

Front 31

Advantages to Dry Applications

Back 31

*Dry heat has less risk of burns to skin than moist applications. *Dry applications does not cause skin maceration. *Dry heat retains temperature longer because it is not influenced by evaporation.

Front 32

Disadvantages to Moist Applications

Back 32

*Prolonged exposure can cause maceration of skin. *Moist heat will cool rapidly because of moisture evaporation. *Moist heat creates greater risk for burns to skin because moisture conducts heat.

Front 33

Disadvantages to Dry Applications

Back 33

*Dry heat increases body fluid loss through sweating. *Dry applications do not penetrate deep into tissues. *Dry heat causes increased drying of skin.

Front 34

Aquathermia pad

Back 34

used for treating muscle sprains and areas of mild inflammation or edema. The unit consists of a waterproof plastic or rubber pad connected by two hoses to an electrical control unit that has a heating element and motor

Front 35

Recommend temperature for aquathermia pad

Back 35

40.5 to 43 C (105 to 110 F)

Front 36

Aquathermia pad application should only last how long?

Back 36

20 to 30 minutes

Front 37

Cold compresses should be applied for how long and at what temperature?

Back 37

20 minutes; 15 C (59 F); to relieve inflammation and swelling

Front 38

For a cold soak what is the time and temperature?

Back 38

20 minutes; 15 C (59 F)

Front 39

What is a ice bag used for?

Back 39

sprain, localized hemorrhage, hematoma or who has undergone dental surgery to prevent edema formation, control bleeding, and anesthetize the body part.

Front 40

The optimal outcomes for a client is what?

Back 40

to prevent injury to the skin and tissues, reduce injury to the skin and underlying tissues, and restore skin integrity