1. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Unit 27 Warm and Cold Applications

2. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Objectives Spell and define terms. List the physical conditions requiring the use of heat and cold. Name types of heat and cold applications. Describe the effects of local cold applications.

3. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Objectives Describe the effects of local heat applications. List safety concerns related to application of heat and cold.

4. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Introduction Heat and cold applications –Used only on written orders from physician or nurse –Used only for a specific length of time –Some facilities allow only professional personnel to apply heat and cold

5. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Therapy with Heat and Cold Heat or cold applications are ordered to: –Relieve pain –Combat local infection, swelling, or inflammation –Control bleeding –Reduce body temperature

6. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Average Ordered Water Temperatures Hot - 100° F to 110° F Warm - 95° F to 100° F Tepid - 80° F to 95° F Cool - 65° F to 80° F Cold - 45° to 65° F

7. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Average Ordered Water Temperatures Whirlpool is pre-set to maintain a constant temperature of 97° F –It should not need adjustment Guidelines may also be appropriate for other heat and cold treatments –Follow facility policies

8. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Commercial Preparations Easy-to-use commercial warm and cold packs are available for dry applications For one type of pack, a single hit or blow before application activates it –Pack is discarded after one use

9. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Dry Cold Applications Several methods for applying therapeutic cold: –Disposable cold pack –Ice bag –Thermal blanket

10. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Dry Warm Applications The Aquamatic K-Pad® is commonly used to provide dry warmth

11. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Sitz Bath Treatment in which the pelvic area is immersed in very warm water Used to relieve discomfort following: –Childbirth, perineal, and rectal surgery

12. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Sitz Bath Immersing the perineum in warm water speeds healing, reduces inflammation, and stimulates circulation –Warm water is very relaxing –Water temperature must be constant for maximum effect

13. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Temperature Control Measures Excessively high or low body temperatures –Treated in acute care facilities –Hypothermia-hyperthermia blankets are placed over and under the patients –Aquathermia blankets Filled with water

14. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Using the Aquathermia Blanket Manual operation –Licensed nurse sets the blanket to a predetermined temperature that is ordered by the physician –Maintains temperature regardless of changes in the patient’s body temperature

15. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Using the Aquathermia Blanket Automatic operation –Monitors the patient’s temperature through a rectal, skin, or esophageal probe –Blanket temperature changes according to the patient’s temperature –Goal is to maintain patient’s body temperature

16. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Hypothermia and Hyperthermia Hypothermia –Drop in core body temperature below 95°F rectally Hyperthermia –Elevation of core body temperature to 104°F or higher rectally