Cold Application



Cold Application





The application of cold constricts blood vessels; inhibits local circulation, suppuration, and tissue metabolism; relieves vascular congestion; slows bacterial activity in infections; reduces body temperature; and may act as a temporary anesthetic during brief, painful procedures. (See Reducing pain with ice massage.) Because treatment with cold also relieves inflammation, reduces edema, and slows bleeding, it may provide effective initial treatment after eye injuries, strains, sprains, bruises, muscle spasms, and burns. Cold doesn’t reduce existing edema, however, because it inhibits reabsorption of excess fluid.

Cold may be applied in dry or moist forms, but ice shouldn’t be placed directly on a patient’s skin because it may further damage tissue. Moist application is more penetrating than dry because moisture facilitates conduction. Devices for applying cold include an ice bag or collar, K pad (which can produce cold or heat), and chemical cold packs and ice packs. Devices for applying moist cold include cold compresses for small body areas and cold packs for large areas.

Apply cold treatments cautiously on patients with impaired circulation, on children, and on elderly or arthritic patients because of the risk of ischemic tissue damage.




Equipment

Patient thermometer ▪ towel ▪ adhesive tape or roller gauze ▪ gloves, if necessary.


For an Ice Bag or Collar

▪ Tap water ▪ ice chips ▪ absorbent, protective cloth covering.


For A K Pad

▪ distilled water ▪ temperature-adjustment key ▪ absorbent, protective cloth covering.


For A Chemical Cold Pack

▪ Single-use packs or reusable, sealed packs.


For A Cold Compress or Pack

▪ Basin of ice chips ▪ container of tap water ▪ bath thermometer ▪ compress material (4″ × 4″ gauze pads or washcloths) or pack material (towels or flannel) ▪ linen-saver pad ▪ waterproof covering.


Preparation of Equipment


For an Ice Bag or Collar

Select a device of the correct size, fill it with cold tap water, and check for leaks. Then empty the device and fill it about halfway with crushed ice. Using small pieces of ice helps the device mold to the patient’s body. Squeeze the device to expel air that might reduce conduction. Fasten the cap and wipe any moisture from the outside of the device. Wrap the bag or collar in a cloth covering, and secure the cover with tape or roller gauze. The protective cover prevents tissue trauma and absorbs condensation.


For A K Pad

Check the cord for damage. Then fill the control unit two-thirds full with distilled water or to the level recommended by the manufacturer. Don’t use tap water because it leaves mineral deposits in the unit. Check for leaks, and then tilt the unit several times to clear the pad’s tubing of air. Tighten the cap. After ensuring that the hoses between the control unit and pad are free of tangles, place the unit on the bedside table, slightly above the patient so gravity can assist water flow. If the central supply department
hasn’t preset the temperature, use the temperature-adjustment key to adjust the control unit to the lowest temperature. Cover the pad with an absorbent, protective cloth and secure the cover with tape or roller gauze. Plug in the unit and turn it on. Allow the pad to cool for 2 minutes before placing it on the patient.


For A Chemical Cold Pack

Select a pack of the appropriate size, and follow the manufacturer’s directions (strike, squeeze, or knead) to activate the cold-producing chemicals. Make certain that the container hasn’t been broken during activation. Remove a reusable pack from the freezer. Wrap the pack in a cloth cover, and secure the cover with tape or roller gauze.


For A Cold Compress or Pack

Cool a container of tap water by placing it in a basin of ice or by adding ice to the water. Using a bath thermometer for guidance, adjust the water temperature to 59°F (15°C) or as ordered. Immerse the compress material or pack material in the water.




Implementation

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Jul 21, 2016 | Posted by in NURSING | Comments Off on Cold Application

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