Application of cold therapy PDF

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Pr ocedur ewi t hr at i onal e Pr ocedur e All Compresses, Bags, and Packs o Clean gloves (if blood or body fluids are present) o Cloth tape of ties or elastic wrap bandage o Soft cloth cover: towel, pillowcase, or stockinette o Bath towel or blanket and waterproof pad

Rat i onal e

Cold Compress o Absorbent gauze (clean or sterile) folded to desired size o Basin o Prescribed solution at desired temperature Ice Bag or Gel Pack o Ice bag o Ice chips and water o Reusable commercial gel pack (cold pack) o Disposable commercial chemical cold pack Electrically Controlled Cooling Device o Cool water flow pad or cooling pad pump o Gauze roll or elastic wrap 1. Complete preprocedural protocol. 2. Position patient carefully, keeping body part in proper alignment and exposing only area to be treated, and drape patient with bath blankets. 3. Place towel or absorbent pad under area you will treat. 4. Apply clean cloves. 5. Apply cold compress: a. Check temperature of solution, and submerge gauze into basin filled with cold solution; wring out excess moisture. b. Apply compress to affected area, molding it gently over site.

(e.g., aquathermia pad) and electrical

Prevents further injury to body part. Avoids unnecessary exposure of body parts maintaining patient’s comfort and privacy. Prevents soiling of bedclothes. Reduces spread of infection.

Extreme temperature can cause tissue damage.

Ensures that cold is directly over site of injury.

c. Remove, remoisten and reapply to maintain temperature as needed. 6. Apply ice pack or bag: a. Fill bag with water, secure cap, and invert.

Ensures that there are no leaks.

b. Empty water and fill bag two–thirds full with small ice chips and water.

Bag is easier to mold over body part when it is not full.

c. Express excess air from bag, secure bag closure, and wipe bag dry.

Excess air interferes with cold conduction. Allows bag to conform to area and promotes maximum contact. Releases alcohol–based solution to create cold temperature.

d. Squeeze or knead commercial ice pack. e. Wrap pack or bag with towel, pillowcase, or stockinette. Apply over injury. Secure with tape as needed. 7. Apply commercial gel pack:

Protects patient’s tissue and absorbs condensation. Prevents direct exposure of cold against patient’s skin.

a. Remove from freezer. b. Wrap pack with towel, pillowcase, or stockinette. Apply pack directly over injury. (Fig. 14-1).

Protects patient’s tissue and absorbs condensation. Prevents direct exposure of cold against patient’s skin.

c. Secure with gauze, cloth tape, or ties as needed. SAFETY ALERT Do not reapply ice pack to red or bluish areas; continual use of ice pack causes ischemia sores. 8. Apply electrically controlled cooling Prevents adverse reactions from cold device: such as burn or frostbite. a. Wrap flow pad in towel or pillowcase. b. Wrap cool water flow pad around body part. (Fig. 14-1).

Ensures even application of cold temperature. Ensures effective therapy.

c. Turn pad on, and be sure correct temperature is set. d. Secure with elastic wrap bandage, gauze roll, or ties.

Fig. 14-1. Commercial ice pack. Fig. 14-2. Aquathermia pad.

9. Remove gloves and dispose of in proper container. 10. Check condition of skin every 5

Reduces transfer of microorganisms. Determines if there are adverse

minutes for duration of application. a. If area is edematous, sensation may be reduced; use extra caution during cold therapy and assess more often.

reactions to cold (e.g.,) mottling, redness, burning, blistering, and numbness.

b. Numbness and tingling are common sensations with cold applications and When applying cold, skin will initially indicate adverse reactions only when feel cold, followed by relief of pain. As severe and coupled with other cryotherapy continues, patient will feel a burning sensation, then pain in the symptoms. Stop when patient complains of burning sensation or skin skin, and finally numbness. begins to feel numb. 11. After 15 to 20 minutes (or as ordered by the physician), apply clean Drying prevents maceration of skin. gloves, remove compress or pad, and gently dry off any moisture. SAFETY ALERT Areas with little body fat (e.g., knee, ankle, or elbow) do not tolerate cold as well as fatty areas (e.g., thigh or buttocks). For bony areas, decrease time of cold application to lower ranges. 12. Assist patient to comfortable Maintains relaxing environment. position. 13. Complete post procedure protocol. Reduces transfer of microorganisms.

Heat and cold applications serve as comfort measures. applications of heat and cold are also used in the course of physical medicine as part of a rehabilitation programme such as paraffin bath, whirlpool bath

etc. Heat and cold applications serve as comfort measures. applications of heat and cold are also used in the course of physical medicine as part of a rehabilitation programme such as paraffin bath, whirlpool bath etc. Heat and cold applications serve as comfort measures. applications of heat and cold are also used in the course of physical medicine as part of a rehabilitation

programme such as paraffin bath, whirlpool bath etc. Heat and cold applications serve as comfort measures, applications of heat and cold are also used in the course of physical medicine as part of a rehabilitation programme such as paraffin bed, whirlpool bath etc....