Fundamentals in Nursing Practice RLE Heat and Cold Application

Heat Application

application of heat that increases blood flow to reduce pain relax muscles and promote healing

Cold Application

application of cold that decreases blood flow reduces inflammation numbs area and prevents edema

Aquathermia Pads

water circulating heating pad used for dry heat therapy for sprains and mild inflammation

Cold Chemical Pads

pads with chemicals that produce endothermic reaction to create sudden cold therapy

Compress

moist gauze dressing applied to wound or injury using warm or cold solution

Counterirritant

substance or agent that causes surface irritation to skin to stimulate relief of deeper pain

Rebound Effect

opposite effect that occurs when heat or cold is applied too long causing harmful physiological response

Vasoconstriction

narrowing of blood vessels leading to decreased blood flow and heat loss

Vasodilation

widening of blood vessels leading to increased blood flow and healing response

Electric Heating Pad

electric device providing controlled heat for pain relief and symptom management

Heat Lamp

device producing radiant dry heat used for short therapeutic applications

Hyperthermia

abnormally high body temperature due to failed thermoregulation

Ice Collar

ice filled device wrapped around neck for localized cold therapy

Ice Bag

bag filled with ice used for localized cold application to reduce pain and swelling

Ice Glove

cold therapy device for hand conditions like arthritis sprains and inflammation

Heat Cradle

half circle shaped device with light bulbs providing localized dry heat

Warm Soak

immersion of body part in warm water for circulation and pain relief

Hot Moist Compress

warm moist gauze applied to injured area for healing and inflammation reduction

Sitz Bath

partial immersion of pelvic area into warm water for postpartum or rectal care

Paraffin Bath

hand or feet coated with warm wax for arthritis and joint pain relief

Whirlpool Bath

therapeutic bath using moving warm water for circulation and wound healing

Hubbard Tank

full body hydrotherapy immersion tank for large area wound therapy

Aquathermia Guidelines

use 2 / 3 distilled water preheat apply 20 to 30 minutes place above patient for gravity flow

Heat Lamp Guidelines

keep 18 to 30 inches away expose area check skin every 5 minutes

Heat Cradle Guidelines

position 16 to 18 inches from body cover larger area monitor comfort

Commercial Hot Pack

chemical activated disposable pack providing temporary dry heat

Hot Water Bottle

inexpensive heat device used for cramps and localized pain relief

Electrical Pad Safety

do not use pins cover pad avoid moisture do not place under body

Cold Soak

immersion of body part in cold water around 15 degrees Celsius for inflammation reduction

Cold Compress

application of cold cloth or pack for 20 minutes at 15 degrees Celsius to reduce edema

Commercial Cold Pack

frozen pack that becomes pliable when activated for cold therapy

Ice Bag Guidelines

fill 2 / 3 ice apply 30 minutes rest 1 hour reapply as needed

Conduction

heat transfer through direct contact between two surfaces

Convection

heat transfer through air or fluid movement

Evaporation

heat loss when liquid changes into vapor from skin

Radiation

heat transfer without direct contact through energy waves

Heat Effects

vasodilation increased blood flow increased metabolism reduced pain muscle relaxation

Cold Effects

vasoconstriction reduced blood flow lowered metabolism numbing inflammation control

Rebound Phenomenon

damage caused by overusing heat or cold beyond therapeutic time

Temperature Tolerance

individual ability to withstand heat or cold stimuli

Level of Consciousness

affects ability to sense pain and temperature changes

General Health

patient condition affecting response and therapy

Assessment Heat Cold

check skin explain procedure monitor response ensure comfort and safety

Documentation Heat Cold

type of therapy skin condition duration patient response relief or complications

Indication Heat

spasm stiffness contracture pain inflammation

Indication Cold

trauma swelling bleeding muscle spasm pain

Contraindication Heat

bleeding malignancy paralysis impaired circulation pregnancy abdomen

Contraindication Cold

open wounds poor circulation cold allergy

Scientific Principles

anatomy physiology chemistry physics psychology time and energy

Heat Increase Effects

increases blood flow oxygen metabolism lymph flow decreases pain

Cold Decrease Effects

decreases blood flow metabolism oxygen swelling numbness