Study Notes
10/13/2008
Chapter 43
Heat and Cold Applications
Copyright © 2009 Elsevier Canada, a division of Reed Elsevier Canada, Ltd.
Heat and cold applications:
Promote healing and comfort.
Reduce tissue swelling.
Heat and cold have opposite effects on body
function.
You must understand the purposes, effects,
and complications of heat and cold
applications.
Copyright © 2009 Elsevier Canada, a division of Reed Elsevier Canada, Ltd.
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Doctors order heat and cold applications.
Before you apply heat or cold applications, make
sure that:
Your provincial/territorial laws and employer’s policies allow
you to perform the procedure.
The procedure is in your job description and in the care plan.
You have the necessary training.
You know how to use the equipment.
You have reviewed the procedure with a nurse.
A nurse is available to answer questions and to supervise
you.
Copyright © 2009 Elsevier Canada, a division of Reed Elsevier Canada, Ltd.
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Study Notes
10/13/2008
Heat Applications
Heat does the following:
Relieves pain
Relaxes muscles
Promotes healing
Reduces tissue swelling
Decreases joint stiffness
When heat is applied to the skin:
Blood vessels in the area dilate.
Blood flow increases.
Tissues have more oxygen and nutrients for healing.
Excess fluid is removed from the area faster.
The skin is red and warm.
Copyright © 2009 Elsevier Canada, a division of Reed Elsevier Canada, Ltd.
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Heat Applications (Cont’d)
Complications
High temperatures can cause burns.
When heat is applied too long:
• Blood vessels constrict.
• Tissues receive less blood.
• Tissue damage occurs and the skin is pale.
Clients at risk for complications include:
Older and fairfair-skinned clients
Clients with problems sensing heat and pain
Clients with metal implants
Pregnant women
Copyright © 2009 Elsevier Canada, a division of Reed Elsevier Canada, Ltd.
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Heat Applications (Cont’d)
Moist heat applications
With a moist heat application, water is in contact with the
skin.
Moist heat has greater and faster effects than dry heat.
Heat penetrates deeper with a moist application.
• To prevent injury, moist heat applications have lower
temperatures than dry heat applications.
Types of moist heat applications
A warm compress is a moistened pad applied over a body
area.
A warm soak involves putting a body part into water.
A sitz bath involves immersing the perineal and rectal areas
in warm water.
A pack involves wrapping a body part with a wet or dry
application.
Copyright © 2009 Elsevier Canada, a division of Reed Elsevier Canada, Ltd.
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Study Notes
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Heat Applications (Cont’d)
Dry heat applications
Water is not in contact with the skin.
The application stays at the desired temperature
longer.
Dry heat does not penetrate as deeply as moist
heat.
Dry heat needs higher temperatures to achieve
the desired effect.
• Burns are a risk.
Some hot packs and the aquathermia pad (Aqua(AquaK, KK-Pad) are dry heat applications.
Copyright © 2009 Elsevier Canada, a division of Reed Elsevier Canada, Ltd.
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Cold Applications
Cold applications are used to:
Treat sprains and fractures.
Reduce pain, prevent swelling, and decrease
circulation and bleeding.
Cool the body when fever is present.
Cold has the opposite effect of heat.
When cold is applied to the skin, blood
vessels constrict.
Cold applications are useful right after an
injury.
Copyright © 2009 Elsevier Canada, a division of Reed Elsevier Canada, Ltd.
Slide 8
Cold Applications (Cont’d)
Complications include:
Pain
Burns and blisters
• From intense cold
• When dry cold is in direct contact with the skin
Poor circulation
When cold is applied for a long time, blood
vessels dilate.
Clients at risk for complications include:
Older and fairfair-skinned clients
Clients with sensory impairments
Copyright © 2009 Elsevier Canada, a division of Reed Elsevier Canada, Ltd.
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Study Notes
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Cold Applications (Cont’d)
Moist cold applications:
Penetrate deeper than dry ones
Are not as cold as dry applications
The cold compress is a moist cold
application.
Dry cold applications include ice bags, ice
collars, and ice gloves.
Cold packs can be moist or dry applications.
Copyright © 2009 Elsevier Canada, a division of Reed Elsevier Canada, Ltd.
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Applying Heat and Cold
Protect the person from injury.
Cooling and warming blanket
Hyperthermia is a body temperature that is much
higher than the person’s normal range.
• Causes include:
Hot weather (heat stroke)
Illness
Dehydration
Not being able to perspire
• Lowering the client’s body temperature is necessary.
Copyright © 2009 Elsevier Canada, a division of Reed Elsevier Canada, Ltd.
Slide 11
Applying Heat and Cold (Cont’d)
Hypothermia is a very low body temperature.
Cold weather is a common cause.
The client is warmed to prevent death.
A cooling and warming blanket may be used
to treat hyperthermia and hypothermia.
When used for cooling, the device is called a
hypothermia blanket.
When used for warming, it is called a
hyperthermia blanket.
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