Moist heat application PDF

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Implementation of moist heat Procedure with rationale Procedure Equipment All moist heat o Bath blanket o Warmed prescribed solution (i.e., normal saline) o Dry bath towel o Biohazard waste bag

Rationale

All compresses o Waterproof pad o Ties or cloth tape o Aquathermia pad Clean compress o Clean basin o Clean gauze or towel IMPLEMENTATION for MOIST HEAT 1. See Standard Protocol. 2. Identify patient using two identifiers. (e.g., name Ensure correct patient. Complies with The Joint and birthday or name and account number, according Commission standards and improves patient safety. to facility policy). 3. Explain to patient the sensations he or she will feel, Minimizes anxiety and promotes cooperation. such as decreasing warmth and wetness. Explain precautions to prevent burning. Protects bed linen from moisture and soiling. 4. Place waterproof pad under patient (except for sitz bath). 5. Apply moist sterile compress. a. Position patient carefully, keeping affected body part in proper alignment. Expose body part to be covered with compress and drape patient with bath blanket. b. Heat prescribed solution to desired temperature by immersing closed bottle in basin of very warm water.

Limited mobility in an uncomfortable position causes muscular stress. Draping prevents unnecessary cooling.

Prevents burns by ensuring proper temperature.

c. Prepare aquathermia pad if needed. Temperature is usually preset by biomedical personnel. d. Remove existing dressing (if present), and dispose of old dressing and gloves in biohazard bag. e. Inspect condition of wound and surrounding skin. Inflamed wound appears reddened, but surrounding skin is less red in color. f. Perform hand hygiene. Prepare sterile supplies. Pour the warmed solution into sterile container. If using

Provides baseline or ongoing data to measure wound healing against existing baseline information.

commercially prepared compress, follow manufacturer’s directions.

Sterile compress is needed for an open wound.

g. Use sterile technique to add sterile gauze to warmed sterile solution to immerse gauze. h. Apply sterile gloves if dressing change is sterile; otherwise use clean gloves. i. Pick up one layer of immersed gauze, wring out any excess solution and apply gauze lightly to open wound; avoid surrounding skin. j. After a few seconds, lift edge of gauze to assess for redness. k. If patient tolerates compress, pack gauze snugly against wound. Be sure to cover all wound surfaces with warm compress. l. Cover moist compress with dry sterile dressing and bath towel. If necessary, pin or tie in place. Remove gloves. m. Apply aquathermia or waterproof heating pad over towel (optional). Keep in place for duration of application. n. If an aquathermia pad is not used, change warm compress using sterile technique every 5 to 10 minutes or as ordered for duration of treatment. o. After prescribed time, removed pad, towel and compress. Evaluate wound and condition of skin and replace the type of dressing ordered for patient.

Maintains sterility of compress.

Sterile glove allows for manipulation of gauze contamination. Excess moisture macerates skin and increases risk of burns and infection. Skin is sensitive to sudden change in temperature. Increased redness indicates burn.

Packing compress prevents rapid cooling from underlying air currents.

Dry sterile dressing prevents transfer of microorganisms to wound via capillary action caused by moist compress. Towel insulates compress to reduce heat loss. Maintains constant temperature to compress. Prevents cooling and maintains therapeutic benefit of compress.

Continued exposure to moisture will macerate skin. Prevents entrance of microorganisms into wounded site. 6. Provide sitz bath or warm soak. a. Remove any existing dressing covering wound. Dispose of gloves and dressings in proper receptacle. Perform hand hygiene. b. Inspect condition of wound and surrounding skin. Pay particular attention to suture line. c. When exudate is present, cleanse intact skin and water or sterile gauze (sterile gloves needed) and sterile water or saline. Dispose of gloves. Perform hand hygiene.

Reduces transmission of microorganisms.

Provides baseline or ongoing data to measure wound healing against existing baseline information. Cleansing area prevents transfer of microorganisms.

d. Fill sitz bath or bath tub in bathroom with warmed solution. Check temperature. e. Assist patient to immerse body part in sitz bath, tub, or basin. Cover patient with bath blanket or towel as needed. Assess heart rate and ask if patient feels lightheaded or dizzy or if the water feels too warm. Have call light within reach. f. Maintain constant temperature throughout 15-to 20minute soak. After 10 minutes, remove body part from soak, check skin or burning, empty cooled solution, add newly heated solution, and reimmerse body part.

Ensures proper temperature and prevents transfer of microorganisms from solution to wound. Assisting patient prevents falls. Covering patient prevents heat loss through evaporation and assists in maintaining a constant temperature. Heart rate provides baseline to determine response to therapy. If water is too warm, remove patient from bath. Avoids chilling and enhances ability of patient to relax. Constant temperature ensures therapeutic effect.

g. After prescribed time, remove patient from soak or tub; dry body parts thoroughly. Note: Wear clean gloves if drainage is present. h. Drain solution from basin or tub. Clean bath according to agency policy. Reduces transmission of microorganism. 7. See Completion Protocol.

Procedure Rationale Equipment o Aquathermia pad, electric heating pad, or commercial chemical heat pack o Electrical control unit o Distilled water (for aquathermia pad) o Bath towel or pillow case o Ties or tape...